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Clutch: Earthrocker
 For many people Clutch have always cruised just under the radar, never reaching the heights they've truly deserved yet keeping enough momentum along the way.
Earthrocker is about to change all that, still keeping their firm, earthy, Southern roots but adding a little Clutch magic. The title track describes itself perfectly, 'Earthrocker', in essence that's exactly what it does. Neil Fallon preaches from his pulpit "Neil you've got to quit your lowdown ways" on the mighty 'Crucial Velocity' while 'D.C Sound Attack' is as solid a rock song as you can get. With an album full of wah, wah infused guitar courtesy of Tim Sult this really is one fantastic slab of Rock 'n Roll. Its groove is untouchable by any band on the scene today but you would expect that with possibly the best rhythm section to ever grace their instruments. Jean-Paul Gaster has to be the best drummer in rock today, his playing reminds me of John Bonham, not too flashy but as solid as they come. The pace takes a bluesy meander on 'Gone Cold' with Fallon almost speaking the lyrics while rocking in his chair on the porch. Really emphasizing that simplicity is the key to a heavy song without the need for speed and distortion this really is one of the standout tracks, sultry in its delivery.
Soaring purposeful vocals deliver an emphatic chorus on 'The Face' while Dan Maines bass playing is tight and fat. Earthrocker is an attacking groove of masterpieces, Clutch really have pulled it out of the swamp for this one. Some nice touches of harmonica add to the texture and feel of an album that has got me hooked from the start. The sympathetic production from Machine is perfect; he captures the true essence of the band like he did for Blast Tyrant which seems an age ago. Clutch's 10th album is a classic, plain and simple, top marks for a top album.
Track listing:-
1. Earth Rocker
2. Crucial Velocity
3. Mr. Freedom
4. D.C. Sound Attack!
5. Unto the Breach
6. Gone Cold
7. The Face
8. Book, Saddle, & Go
9. Cyborg Bette
10. Oh, Isabella
11. The Wolf Man Kindly Requests…
Added: May 28th 2013
Reviewer: Mark Davies
Score: 
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2547
Language: english
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Clutch: Earthrocker
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2013-05-28 18:55:01
My Score:
Clutch have always been one of those bands that I've always liked, but never really dove too deep into their catalog or supported much one way or another. Sure, Blast Tyrant is pretty damn awesome and all, but despite some good moments on Strange Cousins From the West and Robot Hive/Exodus, I've never really felt the need to experiment much more of their work. So, when Earth Rocker was released recently, I kind of took that 'meh' attitude and said "ok, if I get the chance to hear it, cool, if not, no big deal". Well, needless to say when I finally got around to digesting this one, it's pretty damn good and a perfect example of why Clutch are so beloved on the underground hard rock scene. In all honesty, I'm not quite sure why this band isn't bigger than they are. They've got crunchy, funky, sweaty songs that are not quite metal, but heavy enough for anyone into serious rock and roll, and there's a rootsy, bluesy element going through their music that has widespread appeal. Biker rock? Well, maybe, but with catchy, hard driving tunes like "Earth Rocker", "Crucial Velocity", The Face", "Cyborg Bette", and "The Wolf Man Kindly Requests...", much of this CD is a can't miss for those into rocking, good fun & partying music.
With nods to ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Down, Black Sabbath, Black Label Society, and Foghat, Earth Rocker is a fun, hard rockin' good time. The boys from Maryland have produced a winner, without a doubt.
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