After an eleven-year hiatus, the ever-fascinating music collective Desert Sessions have returned with Vols. 11 And 12. The legendary group was essentially responsible for the formation of Queens Of The Stone Age, and Josh Homme has since drawn in the talents of a wide array of artists on this record, ranging from Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top to Mike Kerr of Royal Blood. Though a bit short on the track list, Vols. 11 And 12 delivers another bundle of broad sounds in the typical Desert Sessions package.
While Vols. 11 And 12 certainly embraces the Desert Rock noise Josh Homme has pioneered, it is an absolute melting pot of genres and influences. Homme has described the song-making process of the group’s releases as spontaneous and in-the-moment, and the experimentalism displayed on the record casts no doubt on that. The opening track, Move Together, features a near-unrecognizable falsetto from Billy Gibbons on lead vocals, whereas Crucifire is a high-pace, catchy track reminiscent of QOTSA’s Go With The Flow. Despite totaling at only eight songs, Vols. 11 And 12 seems to have something for everybody.
In terms of what the album does well, this reincarnation of Desert Sessions deserves a pat on the back at the very least. The extensive collection of sounds the record features settles together surprisingly well, never feeling overly loose, nor too rigid in structure. Save Crucifire (which is by no means a weak track), Vols. 11 And 12 yields a mellow, organic chemistry that gives the impression of a specific skillfulness that isn’t trying too hard. And that’s essentially what Desert Sessions has always been: high-profile rock musicians stepping back to relax and jam out in the Californian desert.
As for what leaves a bit to be desired, Vols. 11 And 12 has not emerged unscathed from some minor weaknesses. Contributor Les Claypool appears to be disappointingly lost in the mix, as Desert Sessions seems to be the perfect environment for his unique, creative flow to let loose. The track Something You Can’t See is also a bit lackluster, crossing the fine line between mellow and dull into rather uninspiring territory. But with this being said, Vols. 11 And 12’s shortcomings are largely overshadowed by the experimental yet accessible sounds it has to offer.
At the end of the day, Vols. 11 And 12 is a welcomed comeback for Desert Sessions. It incorporates perhaps an even wider selection of guests than before, and retains a noteworthy memorability amidst its ten predecessors. While the record does not quite land itself as a classic nor “album of the year”, it’s quite clear that this was never the exact goal of the latest Desert Sessions lineup. If one thing’s for certain, Vols. 11 And 12 succeeds in what Desert Sessions always sets out to do, with its signature offbeat ease floating along an already-impressive discography.
Rating: 7.9/10
Rad Tracks: Noses In Roses, Forever, Far East For The Trees, Crucifire
Not So Rad Tracks: Something You Can’t See
Vols. 11 And 12 is streaming everywhere now.
