Clutch - Psychic Warfare (2015)

If I had to compare any band to a gigantic happy pill, I would instantly think of Clutch. Not only was their last effort, 2013's "Earth Rocker", a groovy monster that made me grin from ear to ear, but it confirmed what the band has been doing for so long, delivering high quality groove rock that is extremely hard to match. Who can dislike the band when they put out such groovy tunes!

Clutch's latest offering to the world is called "Psychic Warfare", and it is more or less more of the same stuff that you have heard before from the band. Tunes so groovy that you can't sit still, and a Neil Fallon that hypnotizes you with his incredible and unique voice. Needless to say, if you like the band, "Psychic Warfare" will not make you disappointed.

Instead of spinning further with what made "Earth Rocker" so great, "Psychic Warfare" stands on its own two legs with a more American sound, with both blues and country mixed with the typical Clutch groove, but when the band released their first song from this album, "X-Ray Visions", one would think that "Psychic Warfare" would become a direct sequel to "Earth Rocker", since "X-Ray Visions" sounds like it would fit neatly into that album with its groovy attacks and playful lyrics. When that song plays its final notes, there are no more direct comparisons between the two albums.

I am not a big fan of blues at all, but the band does make its own spin on the genre, making it pretty fun. Songs like "A Quick Death In Texas" and "Sucker For The Witch" has such a great attraction to it that it is irresistible to ignore it. They also change the mood neatly with the country hymn "Doom Saloon/Our Lady Electric Light", so the album does not get all too stale. It all leads up to the climax known as "Son of Virginia", an amazing 7 minute closer that ultimately shows that the band can create other songs that power groovers. This is a strong tune that takes you to the wild west and shoots a lot of great instrumentation at you, while Neil Fallon takes out his most emotional vocals, just to give this track even more depth. Incredible.

But while the album is as great as it is, it is still miles away from the quality that "Earth Rocker" had. That album literally made all of my bones jiggle with excitement and joy, attacking from all fronts with a great arsenal of songs. "Psychic Warfare" does not have the same strength in either numbers nor force as its predecessor, but it is still a great general in the army known as Clutch's discography.

So "Psychic Warfare" does not reach the same astronomic heights as "Earth Rocker", but I do not mind it since it is so hard to follow a master piece with another one. I do appreciate that Clutch did try to re-invent themselves instead of taking the safe route, making a "Earth Rocker 2.0". With the talent that the band possesses and a momentum that seems unstoppable, the band has created another highly enjoyable album that gets your groove on.

Songs worthy of recognition: Son of Virginia, X-Ray Visions, Sucker For The Witch

Rating: 8/10 Noble Savages

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