Earth Rocker Sees Clutch Back In Fine Form
By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 4, 2013 2:40PM
When rock 'n' roll acts hit the 20-year mark, sometimes the output disappoints. Consider what the Rolling Stones or Eric Clapton were doing to our eardrums in the '80s, or the sonic crimes committed by Aerosmith in the '90s. Thankfully, that has not happened to Clutch.
It was way back in 1993 when the band unleashed Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes, and Undeniable Truths upon us. And the band's latest release, Earth Rocker, shows us the rock'n'roll fire is still raging within them. Perhaps it's because Clutch never reached a level of superstardom which might allow them to coast for a few extra years. We prefer to think they're rock veterans who take their music seriously enough to not embarrass themselves, or to not insult their fans. Maybe there's a little of both going on here.
Earth Rocker is a lean, mean album bringing the quartet back its roots, to large extent. The songs are focused and sharp. Rarely do they wander from the hub of a wicked riff, as they have in past albums. When they do drift off into a hypnotic jam, it isn't for long, but it's enough to show us they still can do it. Basically Earth Rocker features the same four guys Clutch fans have come rely on for so many years putting their foot in it. It was interesting to hear the band experiment on previous albums. We're glad they did it. We're glad they're over.
The latest effort is an intense album displaying what Clutch does best—beating riffs into submission—all the while not overwhelming the listener. The songs vary in style and tempo to give you an upbeat shuffle and some boogie in the album. And leave it to drummer Jean-Paul Gaster to carry a fat rhythm through a tune no matter how ragged a riff might be.
Guitarist Tim Sult and bass man Dan Maines are still working riffs that are familiar to long-time Clutch fans. Don't fret, they're still giving us riffs that would shame a Leslie West or a Mark Farner. They still flirt with the fine line between clever and stupid.
The one gripe we've had with Clutch throughout its career is Sult's lackluster solos. We almost cringe at some of the guitar parts he's laid down. He's terrific at pounding riffs, and coming up with lead lines and short breaks, but his longer solos lacked any real phrasing or melody. Often it came across as far out noise. But on Earth Rocker his solos are much more developed and deliberate. He flexes his chops in "Gone Cold," a stark tune featuring a loping bass line accompanied by an eerie, clean guitar lick. Sult's leads and solo are terrific and are a real highlight on the track. He also has some nice melodies throughout the record and always finds a few groovy tones to throw you off here and there.
Lead singer Neil Fallon has been a thoughtful and biting lyricist throughout his career, and he continues that trend on the latest. He hits familiar themes of railing against war hawks and false prophets, as well as espousing his philosophies on rock'n'roll. In the title cut he howls, "If you're gonna do it do it live on stage / Or don't do it at all." It's an obvious swipe at contemporary acts using computers and sequencers as instruments, or singers falling back on recorded tracks.
In "D.C. Sound Attack!" Fallon bellows "Trouble I love / Peace I despise/ I'm a war monger baby/ I got blood in my eyes and I'm looking at you," while on "Mr. Freedom" he howls "And every bumper sticker on the back of your car / Makes you feel a little more real a little more real." Ouch!
Earth Rocker is a must-have for Clutch fans, and I think it makes for a good introductory album to any who have been interested on jumping on board the bandwagon. It will get you hooked.
"I'm an earth rocker! Everybody get the message?" Fallon roars on the opening track. By the time this record is over, you'll get it.
Clutch plays with Orange Goblin on April 12 at the House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn, 6 p.m., $25 advance / $28 day of, 17+
By: Casey Moffitt