Clutch - 'Robot Hove/Exodus' (DRT Entertainment) Released 21/06/05

Clutch are good, pretty damn good. Throughout the last 12 years they have continued to develop and not cowed down to any of the trends that crop up in Rock. No eyeliner, no ultra-clean processed production and no silly headline grabbing antics. Just groove-laden songs preformed with Balls and an honesty that reminds you there is still good music out there that doesn’t need gimmicks.

The eighth album to date from this US four-piece sees them combining blues, funk, rock and even  rap to create a truly great album that's hard to take off the stereo. Sounding like a strange hybrid of classic Black Sabbath mixed with Fun Loving Criminals they both rock and make you want to dance with some seriously funky lines.The vocals are remniscent of ‘Reef’ in places, but are thankfully delivered with more aplomb. Singer Neil Fallon sings right from the heart with a drawl that compliments perfectly the huge riffs underpinning all the songs.

In terms of songs the album's highlight is undoubtedly ‘Pulaski Highway’ with Neil singing "Go to get religion’ like he’s going to break a blood vessel with Band playing a laid back moving line which has you ‘doing a Bonham"  with whatever comes to hand (including items of heavy furniture like wardrobes – think I got a hernia…). The only criticism is the huge range of styles the band incorporate – it takes a few listens to get into and understand the twists the band take. If you haven’t experienced the joys of Clutch before and love bluesy rock music played with feel, get this Album!