Pick of the litter

REVIEW (WJRT) -- With so much buzz about Them Crooked Vultures, rock's newest supergroup, and such high expectations given the massive coverage the band's formation garnered, it truly is amazing that this trio was able to put out a product that matched the hype.

But they did, and each member brings his own unique styles.

The psychedelic metal of Josh Homme's Queens of the Stone Age, the exceptionally powerful and melodic influence of John Paul Jones and the heavy punk rock from Dave Grohl are all blended into a smorgasbord the likes of which has never been heard before.

And while Jones is the biggest name involved, Grohl's work behind the kit is the driving force of the new album, "Them Crooked Vultures," in stores this week.

That is not to at all discount Jones' contributions to the project. His bass lines, highlighted by the funky extended jams in "Scumbag Blues," are nothing short of incendiary.

He also adds some incredibly haunting organ work, giving depth to "Bandoliers" and "Caligulove." And his slide playing on "Reptiles" and album closer "Spinning In The Daffodils" is awe inspiring.

But Grohl's drumwork is spectacular. More than 15 years since his last regular gig beating the skins, he's obviously kept in shape for it while fronting the Foo Fighters.

From the driving stop-and-go time changes of "Elephants" to the acid jazz subtlety of "Interlude With Ludes" and the pounding fury of "Warsaw Or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up," Grohl takes it all in stride as his stick work keeps impeccable time while adding mind-blowing fills.

Naturally, as the frontman, Homme cannot be overlooked. From the crunching chords, searing licks and screaming solos, his versatile guitar work sets the mood of each track.

And his vocals go from haunting baritone to seething snarls to octave-pushing falsetto to give added character.

The album was recorded at Homme's Pink Duck Studios in Burbank, Ca., between January and August of this year, and it was written and produced entirely by the band.

Homme's vocals are clear, the guitars are raw, ragged and rough, as intended. Jones' bass rumbles beneath and Grohl's drums seem to be popping out of the speakers into your soul.

First single "New Fang", released in late October, is a charging, high energy rocker accented by Jones' slide undertones and a heavy, screeching solo to close the tune out.

Recently released second single "Mind Eraser, No Chaser" kicks off with a distorted, whining riff leading into a harmonic call and answer chorus.

The band has been giving curious music lovers lucky enough to get a ticket a preview of the album on their "Deserve The Future" tour, which stopped at the Fillmore Detroit Oct. 8.

They've been playing to rave reviews nationwide, featuring nearly every song off the album at most shows.

And now, the wait is finally over. Since their August live debut, anticipation for the album has been building. And Tuesday's release proves the fuss was worthwhile.

The ABC12 Listening Room staff: James Chesna, editor-in-chief; Josh Daunt, managing editor, photographer; Beth McEnroe, staff writer, photographer; Gwen Mikolajczak, staff writer; Eric Fletcher, chief photographer; Randy Cox, photographer; Chris Carr, photographer; Jessica Reid, contributing photographer; LeeAlan Weddel, contributing editor, writer; Shawn Light, contributing writer; Robin Chan, contributing writer.

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