CLUTCH — Psychic Warfare (review)

Album · 2015 · Stoner Rock

5/5 · 2015-11-01
Unitron

Clutch - Psychic Warfare

'Psychic Warfare' is the eleventh studio album from stoner/hard rock band Clutch. Starting out as a hardcore punk-twinged stoner rock/metal band back in the 90's, Clutch has been one of the most consistent rock acts out there. They've changed their sound since, now having a very blues-y hard rock sound with various other sounds mixed in. I thought that their previous album 'Earth Rocker' was one of their best if not their best, but now after listening to this, this has to be their best yet.

The sound here is very energetic hard rock with a strong blues edge and some southern rock mixed in at times. Clutch wastes no time with bringing the listener to some high-octane rockers like 'X-Ray Visions', which has an extremely catchy riff getting you ready for the rest of the album. It flows smoothly straight into the driving 'Firebirds!', which has an awesome chorus with some killer vocals from Neil Fallon. Next up is the southern-rock twinged 'A Quick Death in Texas'. Just try not to stomp your foot to the jumpy beat, I find it difficult not to. Next comes another extremely catchy driving song with 'Sucker for the Witch', which has a really catchy retro almost heavy metal riff. Also, I can't forget to mention it's really nice guitar solo. I think I've summed up how all the driving rockers sound, they are all simply great.

While this album is jam-packed with killer driving songs, Clutch also knows how to make amazing slower songs as well, as seen in 'Our Lady of Electric Light' which begins with the dark and bluesy intro song 'Doom Saloon'. 'Our Lady of Electric Light' has a real epic atmosphere to it, even with it clocking in at only 3:52. The solo playing over a dark bluesy riff actually reminds me a lot of early albums from the heavy space rock band Eloy. Fallon's low passionate vocals in this song fit perfectly with the dark tone of the song. The other slow song on the album is the finale, 'Son of Virginia', which begins with a really nice dark southern riff and beautiful guitar work playing over the aforementioned riff. Clutch really make their slower songs have epic atmospheres, with this song having epic changes from soft southern blues to heavy bluesy rock.

Overall, It's not every year that a new favorite album is released. Clutch retains their sense of humor, their energetic rocking, and adds in some but not too much to enhance their sound even more. This was a difficult review to write, as there aren't really any stand-out tracks, because every song stands out. Every song is just as memorable as the next, whether it be fast or slow, each song really packs a punch. This is probably Clutch's best album yet, and that's not an easy thing to say with such an amazing discography. Entering the hall of my favorite albums, this is one album that no fan of driving rock and metal should miss. Hope you found this review helpful.

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