2001 Atlantic Records

Even though Clutch has been quite a fine band since their inception in the early 90’s, it was with 2001’s Pure Rock Fury that they really hit their stride and found their own unique voice.

I remember the first time I listened to this disc and how thoroughly blown away I was…and still am.  From the opening jam of American Sleep to the live closer Supergrass, the band has you in their…um…clutches and they just don’t let go.  The production is crisp and powerful as Neil Fallon and company serve up riff after riff, hook after hook and lick after lick mixed perfectly with razor sharp, butt-shaking grooves and a liberal dose Fallon’s own unique, intelligent and humorous wordplay.  Throw in some hot southern fried chicken grease and you’ve got yourself a meal.

Quite frankly, if I were an alien from another planet just arriving on earth and someone played me this CD (or ANY Clutch CD really), I’d say “I want more of THAT!”

If you’ve never heard this disc and you like groovin’, classic, heavy and melodic jam, prepare to become a Clutch fan.  For as great as this CD is, unbelievably it only gets better after this with Blast Tyrant, Robot Hive/Exodus, and From Beale Street To Oblivion, establishing Clutch as, in my humble opinion, the greatest American rock band of the 21st century so far.  Never before have I heard a band combine everything I’ve always loved about heavy rock with an undeniable intelligence that is sadly missing with a lot of bands.   Never, that is, until now.

Turn it up loud and get lost in the sound!

Rating:  4.5 out of 5