Queens Of The Stone Age have returned with a new single, ‘Easy Street’ – check it out below.
The psychedelic, jaunty track marks Josh Homme and co’s first material since 2023, following on from their eighth studio album, ‘In Times New Roman…’.
The band first debuted the song live last autumn as part of their ‘Catacombs’ tour. ‘Easy Street’ later became a regular fixture on their setlist, securing itself as a fan favourite.
Today (Tuesday July 14), QOTSA have shared the official studio version of the tune via Matador. The serene yet rough-around-the-edges cut boasts acoustic guitar and psychedelic synths, while bringing some withering wit.
‘Easy Street’ features singer Nikki Lane, whose gravelly, raw vocals counter Homme’s smoother lead delivery against the sparse instrumental. It was produced by the latter and bassist Michael Shuman.
“It’s kind of a funny song. It’s like hitting your funny bone, where it’s funny because it hurts and it hurts because it’s funny. You’re serious, but it’s funny,” the Homme explained.
“We made it the way you’d make a demo. No click track, mistakes left in. It speeds up, it slows down, the claps aren’t great, but they’re not bad, and a bad clap adds this human thing you can’t fake.”
He continued: “It’s not just about silliness. It’s about understanding the imperfection of your life. The song, like your life, is in the mistakes. Its imperfections are unbeatable.”
‘Easy Street’ is accompanied by an official music video, directed by Tony Wolski and Christopher Gruse, and based on a story and idea by Homme.
The film opens with a bruised and battered Homme attempting to outrun a motley crew of pursuers, including band members dressed as themselves, a Juggalo, a mall Santa, a leather enthusiast, and a fancy cowboy leading a tiny horse.
But the story upends expectations with an unexpected twist that honours the very outsiders we often dismiss, per a press release.
Upon the live debut of ‘Easy Street’ last year, some fans noted the stylistic change for Queens. One commented on the song’s “Flamenco vibe”, with another saying it was “maybe the most catchy thing they played tonight”.
QOTSA are currently opening for System Of A Down on their UK and European stadium tour. The two bands played at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last night (Monday July 13), and will return to the huge venue for a second show tomorrow (Wednesday July 15). Find any remaining tickets here.
Earlier on the tour, Queens dusted off some deep cuts from their 2007 album ‘Era Vulgaris’, including the first airing of ‘Run, Pig, Run’ since 2008.
The band will open for Foo Fighters on the North American leg of their ‘Take Cover’ stadium tour later this summer. QOTSA have announced their first Icelandic show since 2005 for this October, too.
They played a stripped-back concert at the historic Parisian Catacombs back in 2024, which was captured for an accompanying concert film and live album. NME gave Alive In The Catacombs a four-star review, hailing it as a “moving and meditative concert doc”.
Queens followed up the Catacombs show with an intimate tour of the UK, Europe and North America, where they were joined by a string section.
The final UK date was held at London’s Royal Albert Hall in October. Here, they aired new material and were joined by Matt Berry for a stripped-back and emotional set – you can check out footage and photos from the show here.
In 2024, Homme promised to “roll his sleeves up” so that the fans wouldn’t have to wait so long for Queens Of The Stone Age’s next record. There was a six-year gap between 2017’s ‘Villains’ and ‘In Times New Roman…’.
Homme and bandmate Dean Fertita had previously talked to NME in late 2023 about the group, their personal battles and plans for the future.
“I think we should be making something,” Homme explained at the time. “The mantra of the last five years was, ‘It won’t be long now!’ That needs to pertain to making things too. I certainly think we should make more, faster-er, better-er.”