Clutch - Cardiff, January 2006
Clutch return to the UK for another co-headline tour, replacing Philadelphia's CKY for Southern State Legends, Corrosion of Conformity. Clutch have that rare gift of suiting any band they wish to accompany on the road, with their eclectic blend of rock and funk they make flexible touring companions. As 'Stinking Lizaveta's' energetic set draws to a close, Cardiff Coal Exchange fills with a fine display of beards and leathers. A definite contrast to the people in attendance at the 'Bullet for My Valentine' show on the other side of town!
The mighty pro-rockers take to the stage in a leisurely, unassuming manner with their informal attire consisting of combats and hoods. Dedicated fans erupt as they burst into their opening number, 'The Incomparable Mr. Flannery' from their most recent release, 'Robot Hive/ Exodus', rapidly followed by the classic 'Immortal' from the their 1995 self titled album.
Front man, Neil Fallon, with his ever-inspiring beard, becomes a fixation with blazing eyes and staccato arm gestures emphasizing lyrics to his audience, pausing and convincingly declaring to his fans 'I am Immortal'.
Jean-Paul Gaster pounds tight beats and relentless fills throughout, with Dan Maines using flawless bass licks. All this provides the perfect accompaniment for Jim Surt's blues based riffs, playing a well-used vintage Les Paul amplified by an Orange half stack rig. Now the first unconcerned members of the audience warm to the inescapable presence of Fallon.
With the crowd's now undivided attention, Clutch slow the tempo with a collection of older songs, Fallon steps back to take a back seat as the remainder of Clutch manage the stage. Each member claiming a moment to display their individual musical competence with the most notable performance displayed by Gaster who pauses only to reclaim the stool that threatens to disappear from under him during his impeccable solo.
As the stage time catches up on them, the five communicate to cut the set short and make way for Pepper Keenan and his companions to take to the limelight, which is a rare consideration in the ever-selfish world of live music! The now adoring audience roar as Fallon takes to his guitar for the quickly re-scheduled closing song of the set 'Gravel Road' instead of the originally intended 'Burning Beard'.
Although all activity and crowd interaction seemed to rest solely on Fallon's shoulders, he appeared unfazed and proved his worth as the front man for this exceptional band. But dominant and commanding as Neil maybe, he cannot completely compensate for the other members apparent lack of enthusiasm.