With a career spanning around 20 years, US riff-lords, Clutch, just go from strength to strength. And it looks like Earth Rocker could be their strongest outing yet..
Clutch have always made it seem easy to spew out some Southern rock riffage and have never had bad material. But despite 2009's Strange Cousins From the West slightly lowering the tone Clutch have come back in 2013 with one of the best rock albums ever recorded. The title-track starts our journey through a subtle introduction only to be followed by a bouncing wall of sound. Neil Fallon's vocals teasing, weaving and mischieving bringing you an immensely grand chorus - 'I'm an Earth Rocker, everybody get the message?' - and it sounds as though his and the bands' intent is true. And the anthems don't stop there, tracks such as Mr Freedom and Unto The Breach throw massive riffs at you with a good splashing of Southern twang. Tim Sult's guitar playing, despite being less metal and more rock, even gives Zakk Wylde a run for his money. D.C. Sound Attack! is the epitome of what American rock should sound like - infectious riffs, punchy yet catchy vocals and a healthy helping of harmonica. Possibly sounding what the guys from Deliverance would sound like if given some intelligence and amps! A mellow halfway break is given through Gone Cold and though giving a change of direction and theme, it only readies you for the second pummelling of the album.. The journey doesn't last long enough and before you know it The Wolf Man Kindly Requests leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat for more. It's a sudden and crashing end but to only hint at more to come.
Earth Rocker is a fantastic album on record, but it's quite obvious to say that it's going to sound even better live. Clutch have sped up and now placed themselves comfortably in fifth gear - buckle up!
9/10
Check Out: D.C. Sound Attack!
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