The Split CD
Queens of the Stone Age · 1998
16 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock
Raw riffs and driving rhythms create a gritty atmosphere, blending stoner rock with alternative sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Bronze — Opening with a heavy, distorted guitar riff, this track sets the tone for the EP, showcasing Homme's signature sound and lyrical themes of disillusionment.
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These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For — This track stands out with its playful title referencing Star Wars, combining humor with a darker undertone in lyrics about escapism and uncertainty.
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Absence Without Leave — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this song highlights the band’s ability to blend emotional depth with hard-hitting instrumentals.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases raw riffs and tight rhythms, establishing a distinct sound within the stoner rock genre.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff that sets a raw tone for the EP.
- Each song features a consistent driving rhythm, with drums and bass tightly locked together to create a solid foundation.
- The vocals are delivered in a gritty style, often layered with effects that enhance the overall atmosphere of the tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This EP helped establish the band's presence in the late '90s rock revival.
- Career context
- Released in 1998, The Split CD was Queens of the Stone Age's first major release after their self-titled debut. This EP showcased their evolving sound, building on the foundation laid by frontman Josh Homme in the desert rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kyuss· Them Crooked Vultures· Eagles of Death Metal
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Bronze 3:42
- 2 These Aren’t the Droids You’re Looking For 3:08
- 3 Absence Without Leave 5:06
- 4 Morocco 4:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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