Stunt Double. Queen's Pleasure

Queen's Pleasure debuted on this blog with its EP, followed by its debut album 'Words To Live By, Suits To Die In', which even made it to number 17 in my year's end list of 2021. After that things went near silent, as I did not really like the band's second album. In almost all cases, I refrain from writing. And here is album number three, 'Stunt Double', released on a new label, Mattan Records.

With this switch the Amsterdam based band enters a new phase in its career and does so with an album that makes a statement, not unlike on its debut album. It is easy to lump Queen's Pleasure into the alternative rock/postpunk echelon of rock music in the 2020s. In its bio it makes the comparison itself by mentioning Fontaines DC and The Murder Capital, both from Dublin originally. Stunt Double shows that Queen's Pleasure has followed the progression these bands made. It also sets itself firmly apart from the postpunkers leading the pack, as far as I'm concerned in the Netherlands, Tramhaus and Marathon.

The music on Stunt Double is far more varied. Heck, a song like 'Eva' even makes me think of about the only Direct song I like, 'Through The Looking Glass'. It has that same strong pace, but rocks far harder, so moves into a loud rock version of The War on Drugs. These kind of surprises are what makes this album fun, attractive and adventurous to listen to. In 2025, there are several sides to Queen's Pleasure and it wants to show them all. From the real bangers at the start, to a ballad, with strings and all, at the end, the band takes you by the ears and does not let go them.

Promo photo

This is why the comparison to Fontaines DC is justified. This band has left its origins almost behind and went exploring what more it is capable of creating ('Romance'). Opposed e.g. to Shame, that came with the same kind of album last year, just a lot better this time ('Cutthroat'). Stunt Double deserves to be somewhere in between the two. It is not a complete different route but shows the intention, while it is a better version of its previous self.

I can't judge whether this is because the band left Excelsior or it was heading in this direction anyway. Fact is, this would have been a very loud album for the Amsterdam label. It fits better with Rotterdam's attitude "no words, just deeds". Stunt Double totally subscribes to this motto. This album is a beast that Queen's Pleasure in some of the songs can hardly contain. The fact that it does, shows growth and strength. Time will have to tell, but my first impression is that Stunt Double is a small step for mankind but a giant step for Queen's Pleasure. One that I am quite happy with.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght