Swan boats and daisy chains
Can't seem to recall my true given name
I see my footprints how the come how they go
Was that yesterday or only a moment...
With a fan-pleasing alteration in style and 'no-filler, all-killer' logic, the outfit have churned out one of the their most widely appealing efforts thus far, not to mention a staple release for stoner rock in 2013.
Clutch’s aim here was to try something different, and in stripping Earth Rocker of its fat, the band has revealed even more imaginative and powerful artistic muscle.
While operating inside their own little corner of the musical world, Clutch made a reputation for themselves based on solid songwriting, lyrical weirdness, and quality--all of which are present on Earth Rocker, which is still unmistakably a Clutch album.
Drummer Jean-Paul Gaster keeps things going at a crisp clip while managing subtle shadings. The drummer’s tight control and bassist Dan Maines’s aggressive low-end let guitarist Tim Sult go nuts.
Although this is a little more concise than their usual output, everything else about their blues-rock bruisers is business as usual. [Apr 2013, p.100]
The best part of Clutch (other than being hometown heroes) is the fact that they change and evolve with every album. Even if it's a slightThe best part of Clutch (other than being hometown heroes) is the fact that they change and evolve with every album. Even if it's a slight change, there is evidence of it. Excellent offering from one of, if not THE, Best Band in Heavy Music.…Expand
The current review score (3/20/2013) is greatly underrated! Evidently, they are not taking the scores of actual rock 'n roll music reviewThe current review score (3/20/2013) is greatly underrated! Evidently, they are not taking the scores of actual rock 'n roll music review sites into consideration. I've seen about 20 or so sites that are rating this album an A, a 9 or 10, and for good reason. It is one of the catchiest, hard-rocking-est albums ever released. Many publications consider this disc to be a major contender for the rock album of the year. GOOD EXAMPLES: http://killhipsters.com/2013/03/clutch-earth-rocker-album-review/ and http://www.sicasylum.com/clutch-earth-rocker/ ...they got it right. ENJOY THE ROCK!…Collapse
I have loved this band for years, but was somewhat disappointed with Strange Cousins From the West. Earth Rocker more than makes up for thatI have loved this band for years, but was somewhat disappointed with Strange Cousins From the West. Earth Rocker more than makes up for that album's shortcomings. Clutch took a little longer than normal building this album and it shows. This offering re-harnesses the scattered lyrical brilliance and funky blues rock tightness that fans have come to expect and love. The opening title track boldly and sarcastically takes aim at the music industry and the so-called musicians who pollute airwaves over an infectious hard rock groove. The maniacal laugh in the chorus is hard not to imitate, just remember that the people in the car next to you can see you trying. From there the album raucously and eagerly takes aim at politicians, religion, people who talk to much about politics and religion, and mindless drones while sprinkling in some good old fashioned rock and roll car and revenge themes. "Gone Cold", the album's slow-it-down song, is a brilliant lamentation of lost and blurred memories to which most can easily relate. "Cyborg Bette" is also a song that most will hear and think "Yeah, I know that girl." As usual, Neil Fallon litters his lyrics with historical and (sometimes obscure) literature references, as well as not-so-subtle metaphors. Jean-Paul Gaster is one of the best drummers in rock, and his talent is once again showcased en masse. Tim Sult (guitar) and Dan Maines (bass) continue to hold things together with their seamless, tight chemistry while perfectly complementing Neil and JP's frenzy. It's a structure that works very well. When a band has been around for 20 years, it's easy for songs to begin to start sounding too much alike. It's also easy for a band to try too hard to sound radically different. Earth Rocker is proof that a band can evolve without straying too far from the solid foundation that got them where they are. Some songs will remind longtime fans of tracks from past albums, but in a way that will inspire nostalgia and a desire to go listen to those albums again (as if they need a reason). They will all inspire a desire to bob one's head, sing along, rail against stupidity, and read more.…Expand
The only reason I bothered to find this album was that it was the Number 1 Metal Album of the Year from Metal Hammer. Except for that - I hadThe only reason I bothered to find this album was that it was the Number 1 Metal Album of the Year from Metal Hammer. Except for that - I had never heard of "Clutch" in my entire life. I got to listen some of their older stuff on YouTube and I still stand by that I had no reason to know them up until now.
I've found only but a few perfect albums in my life. Perfect - all the songs from beggining to end are strong, no fillers, and powerful. "Earth Rocker" is one of those albums.
I went in expecting to hear something very metal. Obviously, to anyone with any trail of thought - this isn't no metal. I don't know what Metal Hammer are on this year, but it seems it's strong, because the closest Clutch comes to metal is "rock", but the thing is that Clutch are doing their own thing and that's how they make a mark.
Now that I've gotten out of the way - the album is indeed very strong. The polish and mastering is high, unlike most of their previous work, from what I've heard that is. The album starts really strong with seemingly song after song with absolute hit potential, towards the middle things slow down a bit, but never get boring or bad. At the end, the album tends to loose some hype, but by then I didn't really care, to be honest - everything else was awesome.
Though Clutch's writing is interesting, I don't' find it to be my type. Some of the lyrics I like, in other songs - I like the overall theme, but I don't regard this as good lyricswriting. This is the only grudge I can have with this album - it's fun to listen, addicting, fun to play and is just a perfect album.
I really recommend to anyone who listens to rock and metal, especially if they are into more retro stuff.…Expand
Earth Rocker's the second Clutch album I've listened to, with Psychic Warfare being the other. It isn't as good as Psychic Warfare. ThereEarth Rocker's the second Clutch album I've listened to, with Psychic Warfare being the other. It isn't as good as Psychic Warfare. There isn't quite as much variety, and there are a couple of songs which are slightly one note. However, it's a great rock album with aggression and a unique tone; and some songs on there are fantastic, like Crucial Velocity. Though there are some songs better than others, it isn't one of the best albums I've heard in the last few months, but it's a good one.
Pretty solid, nothing too spectacular. Just another decent Clutch album., by no means bad but not one of their best. I wish there were morePretty solid, nothing too spectacular. Just another decent Clutch album., by no means bad but not one of their best. I wish there were more songs like Gone Cold, some of the faster paced tunes seem to blur together, and are unmemorable …Expand
