Monday, August 05, 2013

Earth Rockin'

Over the past year or two, I have grown to really enjoy Clutch. They first caught my attention with the video for Electric Worry back in 2007. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, and I'm not sure if I'd heard anything like it before. I downloaded their new album at the time, From Beale Street To Oblivion, and it was on constant rotation for a few months while I was at the gym. In the years since, I've added some of their other albums to my collection, and with each one, they amaze me with how consistently good they are.

When I heard that they had a new album due out this year, I was interested. When the band talked about how they were influenced by their recent tour with Motorhead, and wanted the new album to be a heavier and faster than previous albums, I was really looking forward to checking it out. I downloaded Earth Rocker on release day, and it exceeded all expectations. Honestly, despite the goofy title, this is one of my favorite albums this year. I can not listen to it without wanting to turn it up loud, and bounce around the room.

I saw them live a few months ago, and for a band that has been around for 20 years, they still bring it live. Such an amazing, high energy set. I was most impressed to see that they don't just crank out the same set list night after night. Nope, each show is unique. How many bands do that? They are coming back through town in September, and you better believe I'll be there.

3 comments:

J@screamingforrecords said...

I haven't listened to Clutch since The Elephant Riders and now I want to listen to them again

mcs said...

Same as Jake, Clutch were like gods to me up until 'The Elephant Riders', but that wasn't so good and the one after I didn't like at all so gave up. I have zero interest in them now, but the first 7" and the Earache 12" are absolutely untouchable.

Also, if you like Clutch, have you ever checked out a band called Scissorfight? Similar ballpark sound. Check out 'New Hampshire' on slsk if you get chance.

Mike said...

When I first heard them a couple years ago, I went back and downloaded Elephant Riders...it didn't do anything for me at the time, and I ended up deleting it. I've only been interested in there newer stuff...Blast Tyrant (2004) and beyond. Never heard the first 7 inch or 12 inch. Might have to check it out though, along with Scissorfight.

Seriously though, this new album is amazing. Get into it.