Artist: Queens of the Stone Age

Album: “Era Vulgaris”

Release date: June 12, 2007

Label: Interscope

Availability: CD, iTunes, and Ruckus

It’s not as high-concept as it sounds. The album’s title, “Era Vulgaris,” is the Latin for “Common Era” – the post-1 A.D. world we live in. Frontman Josh Homme chose the name simply because it sounds like “Vulgar Era” – something he feels we’re in, and something he likes being a part of.

Nothing about this album is very serious, starting with the mini-poster packed with the album, which purports to be a ’50s-era advertisement that spoofs just about everything, including the band and its popularity.

The band’s sound here is a blend of garage rock and old-school punk, played to a chilled-out audience of beer-swilling friends. The hard punk riffs are played with the laid-back attitude of a garage band, creating a very chilled-out experience. The early tracks, such as “Turning On the Screw” and “I’m Designer,” hit this vibe the best, maintaining the mood while addressing issues of modern life with a down-to-earth approach. “Suture Up Your Future” plays to the “Stone” in the band’s name, sounding like someone smothered the band with a glass jar.

Some tracks pick up the pace a bit, such as the syncopated jamming of “3’s and 7’s”, but there’s always a subdued feeling to the sound, like something’s being held back. This restraint helps define the soundscape a little better – the band is almost daring themselves to break into face-melting solos, but holds back.

“Era Vulgaris” is a pleasant listen that should appeal to just about everyone. Just don’t try to take it too seriously – the Queens certainly don’t.