Robot Hive: Exodus
Clutch continues its seemingly endless string of awesome albums with the flawlessRobot Hive/Exodus. Opening with deep-fried "The Incomparable Mr. Flannery" and closing with a Tom Waits-esqe cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talking?,"Robotclearly demonstrates, once again, Clutch’s remarkable musical diversity. Clutch's solid, trademark grooves have as much in common with Gov't Mule as they do with Black Sabbath and Grand Funk Railroad, and their ability to ooze instant classics such as the thunderous "Burning Beard" and the highly danceable "Gullah" is uncanny. Throughout, vocalist/guitarist Neil Fallon sings with a whisky-throated swagger that calls to mind the raw power of AC/DC's Bon Scott tempered with the R&B; inflections of Grand Funk’s Mark Farner. This blend is particularly evident on the foot-stomping "Never Be Moved." Neil might be the one hard rock vocalist capable of maneuvering with the ill ease of a hip-hop MC, crafting lyrics that are humorous and wise--one of the many gifts that help place Clutch in a class of its own, and a large part of what makesRobot Hive/Exodusa contemporary classic. --Jedd BeaudoinRecommended Clutch DiscographyClutchJam RoomPure Rock Fury