IN REVIEW: Eagles of Death Metal - "Zipper Down"

 

Zipper Down is Eagles of Death Metal's first record in nearly seven years; spearheaded by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme (the latter of which from Queens of the Stone Age if you're oblivious to all of this), EODM has long been regarded as Homme's fun party rock side gig. As technically true as that is, there have been some truly great songs to come out of the Hughes/Homme partnership; as a result, the original trilogy of EODM albums are worthy records that by and large rise above any air of novelty.

That their fourth record doesn't stray far from the bawdy roots of the band shouldn't come as a shock to anyone; this is good time rock n' roll, and if you've listened to any of their previous records, you've pretty much gotten all the primer you're going to need going into this one. There are a few laughs, particularly on the hipster-baiting Silverlake (K.S.O.F.M.), though the majority of the record revolves around Hughes' incessant need to boogie.

What is somewhat disappointing about Zipper Down is that three of the album's eleven songs are near-faithful rehashes of songs from Hughes' 2011 solo record (as Boots Electric); Complexity, I Love You All the Time and Oh Girl appeared on that album, and Complexity was the first single off that album too. They're not bad songs, but it feels like a lazy thing to do considering two of the album's remaining eight tracks are a reprise and a Duran Duran cover (although, about that cover: Save a Prayer is hands down the highlight of this record).

Look, I enjoy a fun, no frills boogie rock record as much as the next guy; it's just that, listening to Zipper Down's weaker moments and considering how deep in the well they seem to be digging for material, I have to wonder if this party is almost over.

October 2, 2015 • T-Boy/UMe
Highlights Save a Prayer • Silverlake (K.S.O.F.M.) • I Love You All the Time