Clutch

Clutch followed up the July 2009 release of their amazing ninth album ‘Strange Cousins From The West’ with a UK headline November 2009 tour which they are finalising with an appearance at High Voltage festival in July 2010

On the album, ‘Strange Cousins from the West’, the Maryland hard rockers continue to grow musically. The album sees the innovative quartet stirring up a sonic crock-pot of chugging blues riffs, punk rock grit, bombastic funk beats and raw, infectious vocals.  Guitarist Tim Sult rips through epic grooves on cuts like ‘Motherless Child’, while bassist Dan Maines and drummer Jean-Paul Gaster lay an impenetrable rhythmic foundation on the likes of ‘Minotaur’. Meanwhile, Neil Fallon croons out a soulful cacophony, lyrically conjuring an intergalactic pulp fiction. Invite these ‘Cousins’ in, and you’ll never be the same.

In some ways, the album channels the boundless prog spirit of Clutch’s earliest offerings such as their much-lauded, massively successful self-titled sophomore record. ‘Strange Cousins’ is also a natural evolution from the psychedelic blues of 2007’s ‘From Beale Street to Oblivion’. “There are a couple of grooves and swings in ‘The Amazing Kreskin’ that are reminiscent of things we did back in the early ’90s. Those elements were always a part of our sound, and they’ve resurfaced here. To strip everything away and bring it down to brass tax was a really good exercise.”

Since 1991 these individuals have been challenging rock n’ roll’s limits, and Clutch show no signs of abandoning the unique experimentation that has defined them. Check out the Spanish cover of Poppo’s Blues Band’s ‘Algo Ha Cambiad’ for proof. Neil’s voice functions as an instrument on its own, and it helps carry Clutch into a new realm.

Clutch still own every stage they stomp onto. They remain a highlight at major festivals and music events worldwide from the UK’s Download and Australia’s Meredith Music Festival to Bonnaroo in the States, and now High Voltage festival in July 2010. They were also a top act at the renowned Austin City Limits Festival in 2009. No matter what the forum, Clutch have cultivated a live show that can’t be stopped.

“The live show has stayed very true to form,” explains Neil. “Our overall approach and attitude is no different than it was 15 years ago. We want people feel to like they saw a rock concert. We’re not adding a lot of bells and whistles. It’s just amps, microphones and the crowd. It’s like an event or gathering and it’s developed a party atmosphere.”

Ultimately, the band’s intentions are as pure as they’ve ever been. “We want fans to listen to the album and escape reality for a little bit and keep coming back to it for that same reason. When I listen to music, it’s either in the background or it’s to put on headphones and get away. You have your own movie in your head, and everybody’s movie is different. If we’re providing that soundtrack, that’s a very cool thing. There’s a sacred, ancient dialog between the musician and the listener. When that happens, it’s priceless. That’s what I hope people get out of “Strange Cousins”. It’s more of a philosophical reward than anything else.”

Recent ‘Strange Cousins’ album reviews:

‘Could they be anymore awesome?’ – Alternative Ulster 9/10

‘Proves they still pack a punch’ – Q Magazine

‘Bow at the bearded altar’ -  Total Guitar 4/5

‘It’s good to have them back’ – Rock Sound 8/10

‘Big on ideas and riffs that needle, pile-drive and thump in turn….dazzling and brilliant’ – Kerrang Magazine

‘Summer just got a whole lot more HEAVY’ – Classic Rock 8/10

‘This is possibly Clutch’s finest hour’ – Drummer CD OF THE MONTH 5/5

‘Their strongest statement of quality yet’ – Metal Hammer 8/10

‘Their ballsy brand of Sabbath-esque boogie woogie just seems to get better with age’ – NME 7/10

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