Clutch From Beale Street to Oblivion
DRT Entertainment - DRT215 March 27, 2007
By Wayward_Son
Clutch happens to be one of this writers favorite bands, having been a fan since way back to 1998s barnstormer, Elephant Riders. Each Clutch album is awaited with high anticipation, as well as worry that the new album would not top the previous one. Granted, this writer believes that nothing Clutch can release will ever reach the standard they set for themselves with their self-titled album. However, Robot Hive/Exodus came damn close.
Well, Clutch is back. Does From Beale Street to Oblivion reach the near-classic status of Robot Hive/Exodus? In a word, Faithful Reader no. Of course, Clutch still delivers the goods, and in their unique, special way. The guitar licks still scream Proud American Rock, on top of the bass and rhythmically perfect drums that give Clutch their mojo. What the band have decided to do with From Beale Street to Oblivion is head off into blues rock territory. Keep in mind, Faithful Reader, this is a band that has delved into sludge, jam rock, stoner rock, as well as simple rock n roll.
This is not to say From Beale Street to Oblivion should be ignored. There are plenty of solid tunes such as The Devil & Me with its infectious chorus or the amazingly bluesy Whites Ferry. The best song on the album, and also one of Clutchs best is Electric Worry. This is what Clutch is all about.
Again Faithful Reader, this writer is not saying From Beale Street to Oblivion is something that should be approached with caution. If you are at all familiar with Clutch, you know to expect quality music of the highest caliber. Just expect the band to sound more subdued and mellow than before.
It is simply that after consistently inspired albums like Clutch, Elephant Riders, the somewhat lackluster Pure Rock Fury, Blast Tyrant and Robot Hive/Exodus, this writer expected nothing less than an album that would be studied for years to come, as it seemed that is what the band was heading toward.
Even so, Clutch still deliver the perfect summer driving music.
Official Clutch Website
Official DRT Entertainment Website
DRT Entertainment - DRT215 March 27, 2007
By Wayward_Son
Clutch happens to be one of this writers favorite bands, having been a fan since way back to 1998s barnstormer, Elephant Riders. Each Clutch album is awaited with high anticipation, as well as worry that the new album would not top the previous one. Granted, this writer believes that nothing Clutch can release will ever reach the standard they set for themselves with their self-titled album. However, Robot Hive/Exodus came damn close.
Well, Clutch is back. Does From Beale Street to Oblivion reach the near-classic status of Robot Hive/Exodus? In a word, Faithful Reader no. Of course, Clutch still delivers the goods, and in their unique, special way. The guitar licks still scream Proud American Rock, on top of the bass and rhythmically perfect drums that give Clutch their mojo. What the band have decided to do with From Beale Street to Oblivion is head off into blues rock territory. Keep in mind, Faithful Reader, this is a band that has delved into sludge, jam rock, stoner rock, as well as simple rock n roll.
This is not to say From Beale Street to Oblivion should be ignored. There are plenty of solid tunes such as The Devil & Me with its infectious chorus or the amazingly bluesy Whites Ferry. The best song on the album, and also one of Clutchs best is Electric Worry. This is what Clutch is all about.
Again Faithful Reader, this writer is not saying From Beale Street to Oblivion is something that should be approached with caution. If you are at all familiar with Clutch, you know to expect quality music of the highest caliber. Just expect the band to sound more subdued and mellow than before.
It is simply that after consistently inspired albums like Clutch, Elephant Riders, the somewhat lackluster Pure Rock Fury, Blast Tyrant and Robot Hive/Exodus, this writer expected nothing less than an album that would be studied for years to come, as it seemed that is what the band was heading toward.
Even so, Clutch still deliver the perfect summer driving music.
Official Clutch Website
Official DRT Entertainment Website
