Oozing With Perfection
Despite not being ready for them, the mass of gathered pubescent CKY fans are in for a treat as Clutch walk out on stage. If you've never heard them before, Clutch look like an eclectic mix. The guitarist that looks like a bassist, the front-man that looks like he'd be more at home in Donington and the band that look so far removed from the members of CKY. It's not, however, until you heard them that their blend of prog-rock, metal and classic rock solos overpower everything else and leave you with just one amazing band.
Clutch were formed in 1991 in Maryland and their mix of Led Zeppelin, funk and prog-rock empower front-man Neil Fallon as he throws himself around to the bands blend of what can only be described as funk-rock.
Half the crowd seem totally oblivious to the treat they're witnessing whilst they stand there with bemused looks on their face. There's no doubt that Clutch are nothing like CKY, but as effect laden solo after solo sit juxtaposed with cow bells and leading bass lines that invade your head it's as if the band needed to fill every gap in the music industry are here, yet after almost fifteen years and a stack of albums they remain unknown to most people.
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Clutch are a band that earn their reputation. Watching them live is a pleasure that consumes you and is easy to get caught up in. Song after song go by in what seems like no time as you get lost in the delicious, almost palpable riffs and delectable solos by guitarist Tim Sult that seem to, at times, take you back to a song from your childhood.
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As members of CKY sit at the side of the stage and ignore their fans that are demanding autographs in favour of watching Clutch, the band show themselves as the true legends that they are - with roadies and CKY members air-guitaring in time.
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During the set there may be the odd problem with sound levels, but Neil's rich, penetrating vocals ring out like the murmurings of a madman consumed with his own genius as every song perfectly leads to the next.
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With only a thirty minute set it is almost a crime for their performance to come to such a premature close. Each and every beat that is played is the result of years of practice, performing and perfection. Clutch are a band that should feature prominently in any respectable record collection. If you want it put more simply, Clutch are really fucking good.
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 15 available.