It’s pretty hard not to know what Clutch do. They’ve gone from headlining busy, but not full, 400 cap venues to selling out some six times larger at this point. Biker rock afficionados to blues rock purveyors of the finest quality, they have definitely gone the long way about things, but in a manner that fully lets them express themselves exactly as they want to, which is something they can only take credit for. Where are they headed after ‘Book of Bad Decisions’ was something to the fore in my mind, given their approach to some of the tracks on that release. It was time to find out…
‘Sunrise On Slaughter Beach’ continues on their previous path of easily approachable blues rock, established over many releases now, from ‘Beale Street…’, ‘Earth Rocker’ and the rest, though is a definite veer back towards their earlier career sound, too, with a more biker rock approach taken at times. In essence, it follows quite closely on from the ‘Slaughter Beach’ ep released earlier this year and almost serves as a bridge between their pre and post ‘Beale Street’ releases. I was somewhat surprised to hear that they’ve actually dialled back their approach from the likes of ‘In Walks Barbarella’ from 2018’s ‘Book of Bad Decisions’ back to their more old school flavour, just more no-nonsense, balls-out rock, as I expected maybe more of that big band kind of feel after hearing quite how well they arranged it.
‘We Strive For Excellence’ was on the EP they teased out earlier this year and there is a definite shift back towards their older sound in patches through this album, as can also be heard in singles ‘Slaughter Beach’ and ‘Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)’ – the other two tracks from the EP – which is a very welcome change. That more biker orientated rock was what grabbed me initially after finding them through fan favourite ‘Electric Worry’ and it’s an interesting decision for them to move towards full circle back towards it. ‘Jackhammer Our Names’ is also quite an atmospheric track, with an almost wild west vibe to it and serves as an excellent album closer.
Overall, it feels like it’s a release aimed at pleasing their oldest fans, while still having massive appeal to their more recently won followers. There is plenty here for the older and new fans and would even serve as an excellent introduction to those who are only just finding their music. It’s a continuation of their hard earned reputation for solid songwriting, teamed with all the musicianship we have come to expect over so many classic releases from the stoner blues legends.
- ‘Sunrise On Slaughter Beach’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
- Clutch tour in November.
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