Clutch - Earth Rocker (2013)

Have you ever felt the feeling that a album is so groovy and delicious that your mind is completely empty afterwards? Only a few albums can create such a feeling and the newest instalment from the Germantown, Maryland quartet Clutch is one of those albums. "Earth Rocker" is the tenth album from Clutch and it contains 11 tracks filled with groovy rhythms, addictive beats and psychedelic emotions. And it is no surprise that Clutch had the capability to create this sort of album. During the 20+ years that the band has been active they have released several high quality records and "Earth Rocker" is just one of those albums.

Starting in a furious tempo with the title track, Clutch is putting the pedal to the metal instantly with groovy riffs and a laugh so evil and insane that not even Dr. Evil could do it better. An instant proof that Clutch do not know what limit is 'cause they have none. The grooviness continues in "Crucial Velocity", a song that swishes through like a formula 1 car and keeps it momentum even in the tightest of turns. After another groovy, but short, assault in Mr. Freedom, the album is taking a more blues oriented route in "DC Sound Attack". Not one of my favourite songs from "Earth Rocker" but I will say that the harmonica and the cowbell is doing a great job on this tune.

Clutch is then going back to full speed with the powerful "Unto The Breach" that is like a bitch slap to the face made by a groovy stutter. You just cannot sit still while "Unto the Breach" blasts through the speakers. M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-magnificent. Then suddenly I am being transfered to a small, dark jazz basement in New Orleans. "Gone Cold" is the song that stands out the most on "Earth Rocker" but it stands out for the wrong reasons. The rest of "Earth Rocker" is groovy and rocks your world and I can agree on that a small break could be nice but "Gone Cold" is taking it way too far.

After that unnecessary break, the album is going slower but still keeps a valuable momentum. Songs like "Oh, Isabella" and "Book, Saddle And Go" is showing that Clutch also masters the slow groove to a high enough degree. Only time that Clutch is accelerating is in the excellent and Wolfmother reminding "Cyborg Bette". This variation ultimately leads to a great experience and a album that grows with every listen. And to feel that the band is playing every note with such passion and care just makes me smile a lot. The muscicianship is great and the drumming is especially awesome

So in conclusion, if you are searching for a album this year that can make even the dullest moments fun or if you are looking for a album that could enhance the effect of LSD or Ecstasy then "Earth Rocker" is up for the job. Clutch is once again hitting all the right buttons and this time is the songwriting on top and the band is performing like clockwork. And even better, this album grows for every listening session. So with the risk of being a spoiler then I would say that "Earth Rocker" will be at the top of the list when this year is over. It may not be a perfect album but "Earth Rocker" is just that kind of album that is so great that you do not care about your surroundings, you just have to listen or some life's will be taken. And just like the Wolf Man, I kindly request this album.

Songs worthy of recognition: Unto The Breach, Earth Rocker, Crucial Velocity, Cyborg Bette, "Book, Saddle And Go"

Rating: 9,5/10 Sound Attacks