The art of storytelling is hard to master, weaving a web of red herrings and luring the listener in with intrigue is not an easy talent to have. On their eleventh album our Earth Rockers announce their return but not all is quite as it seems, well why don’t we just start at the beginnin’ now…
[tracklist]
1. The Affidavit
2. X-Ray Visions
3. Firebird
4. A Quick Death In Texas
5. Sucker For The Witch
6. Your Love Is Incarceration
7. Doom Saloon
8. Our Lady of Electric Light
9. Noble Savage
10. Behold The Colossus
11. Decapitation Blues
12. Son Of Virginia
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]40:00[/length]
[record_label]Weathermaker[/record_label]
[release_date]October 2nd 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
We begin our story of paranoid delusion, after “The Affidavit” where the scene is nicely set for our story. The opening gambit of “X-Ray Visions” kicks things off with the infectious groove added with a sense of urgency in the music gets pulses racing. Neil Fallon‘s vocals are once more in a league of their own, with his ability to expel incredible amounts of energy at any given moment the track has makes a profound statement that Clutch are back.
Small ticks characteristic to the singer brings to mind the sense of a live setting,introducing the band through the medium of horoscopes as our deranged storyteller frantically searches for meaning in his hotel room. Crafted from the lyrics our modern day whiskey soaked, bearded Bob Dylan truly brings vocals to the forefront with an infectious persona making even the ramblings of a mad man seem, well, cool! That being said the band are still one of the tightest around, tracks like “Firebird” showcase the tight knit in the pocket style that drummer Jean-Paul Gaster employs.
The Blues stomp of “A Quick Death In Texas” oozes cool, reminding us the band apply no gimmicks just good ol Rock ‘n’ roll. Strutting it’s stuff Fallon’s faultless range hasn’t slipped one iota. Couple that with the undercurrent of tongue in cheek delivery and you’ve a recipe for Psychic Warfare. Particularly prominent on “Behold The Colossus” where the band have that quintessential drive.
Rocketing through “Your Love Is Incarceration” see’s drummer Jean Paul Gaster simultaneously keeping the throbbing pulse of the album alive whilst following Fallon’s onomatopoeic delivery. Aided by Fallon’s delivery the already sharp witted lyrics add to the kick of the songs. Punctuation or emphasis on the pauses, simple dynamics like these ultimately bringing the soul of Clutch to life. For the minor sounding high noon showdown of “Doom Saloon” the band do pump the brakes slightly, which instead of derailing the album fits well within its context. Seamlessly moving into “Our Lady Of Electric Light” which combined with the Jonnhy Cash like delivery from Fallon, delayed guitar, jazz like drums gives it an atmospheric oscillation.
Bringing it all together consistently in “Sucker For The Witch” which features a brilliantly crafted solo that sits neatly. However Clutch are very much a house of cards, though it might appear as though Fallon has the keys to the ignition. Each members importance is felt throughout each of the songs, ensuring that the drummer retains the swing feel of blues whilst guitarist Tim Sult‘s modest riffs come out each even slicker than the last. The true master of Clutch is the song writing. Able to be let loose with their respective instrument the band always remain in keeping with the song.
Clutch might not be reinventing the wheel with their sound but when the delivery is as level headed and simply cool as theirs then there is no need. Varying enough within itself Psychic Warfare fires on all cylinders showcasing the best elements of the band. Effortlessly combining rock and blues the band continue to be the coolest kids on the block. Holing themselves up in their own Weathermaker studios the band took their time to write not only songs but an adroit story that stand alone. Able to dip into or listen to the record in full, Scorpio and co have done just as they intended, you better believe me brother…
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]If it’s paranoid delusion and psychedelic haiku’s you’re after then look no further that Psychic Warfare. Rockin’ out harder than previous album the new record is Clutch doing what they do best. Being effortlessly cool, sister. [/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up your copy of Clutch’s brand new album here!
