Clutch Earth Rocker (2013)

Clutch Earth Rocker 

Some records hold the title of being cult classics over the year's for hitting you right were you want with integrity, power and quality song writing this can be said for clutch's 2004 effort Blast Tyrant. More recently clutch have turned down the gain and aggression for a more chilled, bluesy and laid back vibe on there 2007 album "From Beale Street To Oblivion" and 2009's "Strange Cousins From The West".

There Latest effort see's them turning back the aggression and energy levels to Max creating perhaps there heaviest but still upbeat album yet or at least since Blast Tyrant . The Opening track "Earth Rocker" kicks in with a dynamic groove which is unrelenting and powerful ensuring the listener from the start it's going to be a fast paced affair.

The second track crucial velocity see's Tim Sult in full Jimmy Page mode starting the track with a trippy wah laden guitar lick ensuring all the bands trademark tone's and styles are cemented as strong as they have ever been.

As the album progresses it's apparent clutch's level of variation is still apparent even on the heaviest of release's hearing influence's from Hardcore Punk on the track DC Sound Attack, Laid back Acoustic licks on one of my personal favourites on the album Gone Cold which see's Neil Fallon adopting a vocal tone Jim Morrison himself would be proud of. 

The Lyrical content is still as wacky as ever making digs at an industry which has left many true music fans left out in the cold "if you're gonna do it do it live on stage or don't do it at all" which keeps the listener ensured this working man's band level of integrity has not wavered at all throughout there career.

Despite the harder hitting context of the album none of there abilities to craft feet tapping melodies have been sacrificed a good example of this is Unto the breach which riffs and verse are reminiscent of classics Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top, and early Motorhead.

Overall the title Earth Rocker is as apt as can be showing the true talents of one of the finest working man bands out touring today which any listener worth there weight in gold will appreciate weather you're more  Classic Rock, Punk or Even 70's PoP. This is One of Clutch's Highlights to an already incredibly strong discography 

                                                                 5/5