Queens Of The Stone Age, Brixton Academy
Posted 6th Dec 2007 in Live Reviews, Queens Of The Stone Age by Becky Reed | Brixton Academy | 
A packed and good-natured crowd in Brixton Academy is being pumped up for the arrival of Queens Of The Stone Age with no other than Sly & The Family Stones' 'Dance To The Music'. The atmospheric stage set up consists of electro-gothic chandeliers ready and waiting above each band member's spot. They flicker into life, and QOTSA saunter onstage, led by the hard-to-miss frontman Josh Homme, decked out cowboy style in a check shirt and jeans.Things kick off with 'Sick, Sick, Sick', a stand-out track from the recent 'Era Vulgaris', with the intensity that Homme exudes unleashed upon the heaving crowd immediately. This intensity continues, as it becomes apparent there is very little banter on show tonight. Having seen Homme on fire in the summer at festivals, full of his unique and charming blend of sleaze and wit. Tonight, the music has to do the talking, as Homme is unusually subdued. It's a small price to pay for blistering track after track, taking heavily from the recent album and 'Lullabies To Paralyze'.
Fans are thrilled by the appearance of rare bonus track 'Infinity', which flows into 'No-One Knows. Current single 'Make It Wit Chu' is a gorgeous bluesy interlude, which gives Homme's current bandmates a chance to shine. Homme interacts all of a sudden, telling the crowd they make him feel invincible. Thing is, we're not sure we believe it, as he hasn't got his spark - even though his performance is impeccable.
QOTSA work Amy Winehouse's 'Rehab' into 'Feel Good Hit Of The Summer' to perfection towards the end of the set, providing a set highlight, and the sort of mischief the band do so well. A third album double whammy for the encore, including 'Go With The Flow', brings the night to a close. QOTSA have been astonishing tonight, playing faultlessly, but that ingredient that makes a magical night is missing.
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