Queens Of The Stone Age have officially returned with their latest single, ‘Easy Street.’
The track offers a psychedelic and jaunty departure from their recent work, marking the first new material from Josh Homme and the band since the 2023 release of their eighth studio album, ‘In Times New Roman…’
The song was first introduced to audiences during the ‘Catacombs’ tour last autumn. Since its live debut, ‘Easy Street’ has become a mainstay in the band’s setlist and a clear favorite among fans.
Released today (Tuesday, July 14) via Matador, the studio version of the track presents a serene yet gritty atmosphere, blending acoustic guitar and psychedelic synthesizers with a sharp, witty edge.
The single features guest vocals from Nikki Lane, whose raw, gravelly tone provides a compelling counterpoint to Homme’s smoother delivery amidst the sparse instrumentation. The track was produced by Homme alongside bassist Michael Shuman.
“It’s a bit of a funny song,” Homme remarked. “It’s like hitting your funny bone—it’s funny because it hurts, and it hurts because it’s funny. There is a seriousness to it, but it remains humorous.”
“We approached the recording like a demo. There is no click track, and we left the mistakes in. It speeds up and slows down, and even the claps aren’t perfect, but those imperfections add a human element that you simply cannot fake.”
He added: “It isn’t just about being silly; it’s about embracing the imperfections of life. Much like life itself, the song finds its strength in its mistakes. Those imperfections are unbeatable.”
The release is accompanied by an official music video directed by Tony Wolski and Christopher Gruse, based on a concept developed by Homme.
The video depicts a battered Homme attempting to evade a bizarre group of pursuers, including band members in various disguises, a Juggalo, a mall Santa, a leather enthusiast, and a cowboy accompanied by a miniature horse.
According to the official press release, the narrative subverts expectations with a twist that celebrates the very outsiders that society often overlooks.
Since its live premiere last year, listeners have noted the band’s stylistic evolution. Fans have described the track as having a “Flamenco vibe” and noted it as one of the most infectious songs in their recent repertoire.
QOTSA is currently supporting System Of A Down on their UK and European stadium tour. Following a performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday, July 13, the band is set to return to the venue for a second night tomorrow (Wednesday, July 15).
During the tour, the band has also revisited deep cuts from their 2007 album ‘Era Vulgaris,’ including the first performance of ‘Run, Pig, Run’ since 2008.
Later this summer, the band will join the Foo Fighters for the North American leg of their ‘Take Cover’ stadium tour. Additionally, QOTSA has scheduled their first show in Iceland since 2005 for this coming October.
In 2024, the group performed a stripped-back set at the historic Parisian Catacombs, which was documented in a concert film and live album. The resulting release, Alive In The Catacombs, received a four-star review, with critics praising its moving and meditative quality.
Following the Catacombs performance, the band embarked on an intimate tour across the UK, Europe, and North America, featuring a live string section.
The UK leg concluded in October at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where the band debuted new material and performed an emotional, acoustic set featuring guest Matt Berry.
In 2024, Homme expressed his intention to work more prolifically to avoid the long gaps between albums, noting the six-year interval between 2017’s ‘Villains’ and ‘In Times New Roman…’
Speaking to NME in late 2023, Homme and bandmate Dean Fertita discussed the group’s future and their creative drive.
“I think we should be making something,” Homme stated. “The mantra of the last five years has been, ‘It won’t be long now!’ We need to apply that to the creative process itself. I certainly believe we should be making music more frequently and with more quality.”
