I know that this show means that summer is just that much closer to being over, but seeing Queens of the Stone Age with Phantogram was one of my most anticipated concerts of the year!
Yes, I did just see QOTSA for the first time back in May at Sonic Temple, but this just gave me the opportunity to see them again as a headliner. Phantogram opening for them was just icing on the cake! I haven’t seen them in so long that I was clenching my teeth and fists just before they came onstage. I know new music is on the horizon for them, and we got a taste at the show, but I was just so happy to see them again. But before we get to all of that, let’s start with the first opener, The Armed. What a strange group of individuals. I think I actually enjoyed most of what they played, but I was so distracted by how each of these six members looked that I can’t remember much other than stifling laughter. Still, I was intrigued enough that I’ll probably check them out at home in the coming months.
Phantogram had a set that was shorter than I would have liked, but they sounded incredible. This time around Sarah Barthel is rocking some red hair, some short, yellow leather booty shorts, and the TALENT. I heard a lot of people in the audience who have never heard of these guys before commenting on how obsessed they were with her vocals. Yay for new fans! It was a set list that included some classic favorites, like “When I’m Small,” “Black Out Days,” and “Fall In Love,” but they also mixed in some tunes I wouldn’t have anticipated. The most surprising for me was “Bad Dreams.” I personally love that song, but it’s not the most fast-paced song out there. Instead it features some extremely impressive falsetto lines. We also got to hear a new song from the band, “I’m Still Yours,” and it’s got me really excited for the new album.
Finally, QOTSA took the stage just as the sun went down and the ripped through all the hits plus some unexpected tour debuts. There was a nice mix of songs, though I was supremely bummed that not a song or two more other than “The Way You Used to Do” made it into the set from Villains. Instead we were treated to some coveted tracks from Lullabies to Paralyze and Rate R. The older, die hard fans were really amped about those ones. As I re-familiarized myself with Like Clockwork…this week, I was really excited to hear “Smooth Sailing” and “If I Had a Tail.” Given that this was The End is Nero tour, unsurprisingly four tracks from the new record made it in, with “Caranvoyeur” as my favorite making the cut. I would love to hear “What the Peephole Say” someday, but I can be patient.
Overall, it was a terrific show with a really excited and respectful crowd. They appreciated every second of what the bands had to offer, and I had the distinct privilege of being up at the rail! Granted, it was a smaller venue and I was off to the side, but still. Very cool. If they’ve got a stop on this tour in your town, you better be getting a ticket!