Artist Of The Day: Queens Of The Stone Age

What is it for you which immediately signals that summer has arrived? For me, a few constants have emerged and now go hand in hand with that first sunny day and the smell of that BBQ. My concrete soundtrack to a sunny day comes courtesy of Queens of the Stone Age. Ice cold cider in hand, the smell of steak and nature in the air, Queens of the Stone Age took to the stage at a Leeds fest in years past, and from that moment on classically conditioned themselves to be my favourite summer band. It helped of course, that Josh Homme and co absolutely killed it in front of over 20,000 people.

The exciting thing then, is that Homme and co have taken to the studio once more to release their first album in over five years, and they will no doubt add more classic summer songs to their repertoire alongside the likes of “Go With The Flow” and “Burn The Witch.” Those of you who were underwhelmed by the experimental Era Vulgaris will no doubt be buoyed by the news that ...Like Clockwork will feature contributions from ex-bassist Nick Oliveri and ex-vocalist Mark Lanegan. And if that doesn't do it for you, the return of Dave Grohl behind the drum kit certainly will. Given that this conglomerate of musicians was responsible for the classic Songs For The Deaf – Mr Grohl in particular for the intensity he brought behind the kit - ...Like Clockwork is making all the right noises to suggest it will be one of the best releases of 2013, and lead single “My God is the Sun” has only solidified this claim.

Due for release on the fourth of June, Queens of the Stone Age are set to accompany BBQ’s and ciders once more and will probably be at a festival near you - roll on the summer.