Review by Nickolas Cook
Much like most of Clutch’s complete discography, their newest release, STRANGE COUSINS FROM THE WEST, is good time, unadorned rock and roll of the first order. It’s refreshing to hear a band that knows its strengths and doesn’t try to follow transient trends. These guys know you can never go wrong with the simple drum, bass, guitar and some damn strong vocals to back it all up.
The band has moved through some very different styles through their nearly 20 year career. They’ve done the punk thing, the straight up heavy metal thing, and now they’ve moved to where they belong: hard rock rock and roll, with a subversive edge.
With this new album, they keep the recipe boiling with such powerhouse songs as their take on the blues classic Motherless Child, and new songs such as 50,000 Unstoppable Watts, Witchdoctor. With its requisite heavy bass lines and grungy guitar riffs, STRANGE COUSINS FROM THE WEST delivers what rock and roll fans need most, honest music, passionate lyrics and experienced craftsmanship that respects its listener. It’s hard to call the standouts on the tracks list, because there aren’t any weak songs on the album. But if I had to call ‘em, the above mentioned would work for me.
If you haven’t already gotten this one, snatch it up. And keep an eye out for Clutch coming to a town near you, because these guys put on a great live show.
Track listing:
1. "Motherless Child" 4:15
2. "Struck Down" 4:23
3. "50,000 Unstoppable Watts" 3:48
4. "Abraham Lincoln" 5:58
5. "Minotaur" 4:52
6. "The Amazing Kreskin" 4:37
7. "Witchdoctor" 4:11
8. "Let a Poor Man Be" 5:31
9. "Freakonomics" 3:21
10. "Algo Ha Cambiado" 4:09
11. "Sleestak Lightning" 3:47
Visit the band and keep up with their tour and latest news at:
http://www.pro-rock.com/
--Nickolas Cook
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