Queens of The Stone Age / In Case Of Fire

With most recent release 'Era Vulgaris' splitting opinions like few other albums of the past few years, it was always going to be an interesting occasion that marked the Queens' return to London. This is, of course, their second UK tour in support of said record, and those who were lucky enough to attend their storming November show at the Brixton Academy will doubtless be tempted to gauge exactly how much of a contrast the two concerts will prove to be. First though, there is the matter of
In Case Of Fire, a slightly tediously-named Irish trio who peddle out their progressive, emo-tinged rock to the passing interest of the varied and very jolly crowd.

The enthusiastic youngsters do their best to live up to a much-coveted support slot, and to their credit, their music does seem to go down reasonably well. There is the nagging sensation however that Steven Robinson and co. would be far more suited to the kind of audience more familiar with established artists such as Coheed and Cambria and Funeral For A Friend, and it is perhaps fortunate that those in attendance tonight are so polite in their reaction. There's no reason why In Case Of Fire can't scale some impressive heights, but they'll have to start playing to more suitable crowds if they are to do so.

Queens Of The Stone Age hit the stage to a deafening reception, but as Josh Homme and his Merry Men launch into the grinding 'Turnin' On The Screw', the crowd becomes curiously divided. A solid circle of gig goers in the very centre of the Apollo floor begins to jump, sway and mosh its way through a set that is startlingly heavy on new material, whilst the majority of those outside them remain practically motionless. It is a trend that continues for the entire concert, but one that fails to bother Homme, who has so carefully nurtured his role as a frontman that his confidence shines through in beams. His enjoyable rapport with the crowd creates the perfect party atmosphere despite the widespread stillness, and even the glaring absence of some of the band's more famous material fails to dent the overall ambience tonight.

That said, it is still impossible to ignore the setlist itself, which features so much material from 'Era Vulgaris' that only hardcore fans of the album could fully enjoy it. It is perhaps a prominent reason behind the mixed level of enthusiasm on display - something that is only compounded by the noticeably larger reactions that are reserved for songs lifted from the widely acclaimed 'Rated R' and 'Songs For The Deaf' records.

Whether Homme's decision to lean favourably towards new material is a sign of ageing stubbornness remains to be seen, and though it renders the gig with a slight aftertaste of what it could have been, it certainly doesn't undermine what is a great night for fans and band alike, and even a spectacular solo miss-cue on 'Little Sister' does nothing to dampen people's spirits. "Sorry guys," mutters Homme, "I feel like I’ve ruined the party!" Not at all Josh, party on!

Setlist
Turnin' On The Screw
Hangin' Tree
Burn The Witch
Misfit Love
Into The Hollow
Do It Again
3's and 7's
Go With The Flow
Era Vulgaris
Song For The Deaf
The Blood Is Love
Fade
Suture Up Your Future
Little Sister
I'm Designer
You Can’t Quit Me Baby
Regular John
Sick, Sick, Sick

*****

Millionaire
Song For The Dead

FUTURE GIGS

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