I will admit it. I am an unabashed Clutch follower and have been for a long time. To me, a new Clutch album is like a holiday. So when I heard that Clutch has a new album coming soon, I took steps immediately to obtain the album.
When I got the digital review copy of the album, I saw this intro:
"Forget whatever you thought about Clutch. Earth Rocker crumples up the bad categories that have miscast them for years — stoner rock, post-hardcore, metal, grunge — and leaves no question about what they are: a damn good rock and roll band."
Luckily, I don't have to forget what I thought about Clutch. I've always seen this as a fine rock n roll band. Sure, the guys like to jam live, but the rock n roll has always been the backbone of this band's sound. And the band doesn't waste any time grabbing your attention with some serious rocking. The album begins with the title track and this is the musical equivalent of someone bashing in your front door with a battering ram.
And keep in mind that's only the first track. If you expect the band to let up at any time throughout the album, you're going to be waiting a while. "D.C. Sound Attack" is another one of those Clutch songs with harmonica and cowbell. I'll say this. I can't think of another band that rocks this hard that incorporates harmonica and cowbell as well as this one.
So here's the thing. Maybe you don't have to forget whatever you thought about Clutch. You do, however, have to know this: Earth Rocker is a straightforward rock album of 11 songs that beg to be heard at loud volumes, even the slower "Gone Cold." Earth Rocker will be available in the U.S. on 19 March.
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