QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
A myriad of musical souls (Dave Grohl, Billy Gibbons, Mark Lanegan, Trent Reznor, Elton John!) have passed through the Queens of the Stone Age universe, but make no mistake, it is guitarist/frontman Josh Homme who's the center of gravity and the wizard behind the wand. Clearly Homme is a Renaissance man, and his production chops, songwriting, guitar manipulations, forays into intriguing side projects and experimentation bode well for the world of rock. Finding the spaces between the crunch and subtle harmonies, Homme and crew continue to stretch parameters and dive into the void to stir things up a bit, rear their heads and have at it again. They are one of the few bands that can meld punk and psychedelic ethos while plowing through some damn good, heavy rock. They've pretty much shed the confines of stoner and desert rock labels earlier stitched to the QOTSA moniker, especially with the latest recording, the tense and expansive ... Like Clockwork. With Guards. $25-$49.50. Sept. 19, 8 p.m. Uptown Amphitheatre, 1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. 704-916-8970.