The newest addition to the concept of a supergroup, Them Crooked Vultures showcases three of Rock's most prolific performers letting off some steam. Josh Homme, John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl may all be superstars in their own right, but they don't let that get in the way of making an almighty noise.
They're unlikely to give up their day jobs to pursue Them Crooked Vultures as a going concern, but their eponymous debut is a fun record to listen to nonetheless. It's also impressive that this is such a fully realised and well-polished set of songs. The edges remain a little rough as all three jam away together throughout the album, but there's a sense that none of them are competing against each other, more working as parts of a well oiled machine.
From the opening drums, cowbells and dirty big riffs of opener 'No One Loves Me, And Neither Do I' it's obvious that Grohl and Homme are fulfilling a life long dream. They're playing together with a member of Led Zep, and it's that band that has the biggest influence on this album. It's pretty pointless trying to deconstruct the songs because it's the overall experience that matters more here.
Although Homme takes on most of the vocal duties it doesn't sound like a Queens Of The Stone Age album, Them Crooked Vultures is a classic rock record that exhibits 1970's excess at every turn. Packed full of strong basslines courtesy of Jones, there's a real sense of urgency to all the songs, at times they meander into what sound like improvised sections. Yet all 8 minutes of 'Warsaw Or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up' are still compelling despite this.
Admittedly stand out tracks 'Mind Eraser, No Chaser' and 'Dead End Friends' do sound like Foo Fighters or QOTSA tracks respectively. But even that doesn't unbalance an album that has so many classic riffs crammed in. The only complaint that could be made is this record doesn't contain many instantly memorable songs.
But with lyrics, from for example 'Elephants', like:" We're so easy to spot, lepers riding atop pachyderms of germs." it's obvious that you're not listening to anything too profound. But that's part of the fun, from the album artwork to the surreal and slightly Blur-esque 'Interlude With Ludes'; this is a project that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Rating: 4/5