Hair Today Gone Tomorrow
'Burning Beard' has to be the best title for a single this week, I'm not sure the lyrics bear any relevance to the title but nonetheless instant brownie points are awarded!
Clutch have been around for 12 years, during which time they've released six studio albums, this single being taken from their latest album, 2005's 'Robot Hive/Exodus'. Clutch are one of those bands that it's just impossible to pigeonhole, that's not to say they sound unique but they draw on numerous influences and in so doing manage to appeal to a wide variety of fans. Firmly in the rock camp with a hint of blues they lean more towards Led Zeppelin than AC/DC and yet they still manage to sound quite heavy without actually being so! Ultimately that's both the key to their success and longevity but also probably the reason why they've never become huge, nobody will dislike Clutch, there's something in there for everyone but I don't imagine they'll be too many peoples favourite band either.
'Burning Beard' isn't that great a song but it has enough about it to appeal, it's fairly catchy without ever breaking out into a full on chorus and it's upbeat rolling riff has a good groove about it. The vocals compliment the rhythm with their purposeful delivery but to really get the full effect you need to turn this up, right up! It'll get your head nodding for a few plays at least.
Clutch will add to their impressive list of support slots in November when they accompany Motorhead on their UK tour.