Rock ‘n’ roll heroes Clutch return with their highly anticipated seventh studio album, From Beale Street to Oblivion, and believe me it does not disappoint. The album retains Clutch’s signature rock ‘n’ roll sound with a modern touch. Drawing on their many and varied musical influences (punk, metal, hardcore, stoner, and the list goes on..) the new record also sees the band taking a welcomed step towards more a blues-infused sound which results in an album that you can dance to and that undoubtedly rocks!

Squeezing in a chat with Clutch front man and lyrical genius Neil Fallon in between sound checks, other interviews and wowing a sold out crowd in Detroit Rock City, I ask him about the new album, life on the road and their upcoming Australian tour.

When asked about From Beale Street to Oblivion, Fallon enthuses that he is “really proud of the album”. He believes that the album is representative of where the band are right now and he is really excited about getting it out there. The album is released locally on March 31st and he and the band can’t wait to come down under and show off the new material live. Clutch were so eager to come back to Australia he says, that as soon as release details for the album were pencilled in they were immediately talking about coming back to Oz.

Clutch partially attribute the straight ahead, enjoyable attitude that comes across on From Beale Street to Oblivion to the recording process adopted for this album. This album is probably the most live album they have recorded, Fallon explains that they knew all the material before they got into the studio and the process was over in a matter of weeks. Working with renowned producer Joe Barresi, of Tool, Kyuss, The Melvins and Queens of the Stone Age fame, Fallon boasts that their choice of producer was definitely the right one. “Joe really captured the sound”, Fallon went on to say.

Clutch showed great faith in Barresi’s abilities as producer and mixer, leaving him half way through the process to tour the UK with Motorhead. A decision Clutch made with little hesitation and one that obviously paid off in the finished product.

Fallon answers diplomatically, like any proud parent when asked to name his favourite track on the album, comparing the task to choosing between children, before conceding that White’s Ferry is his favourite. The album is bursting with killer tracks, especially lead single Electric Worry, that  Clutch have since filmed a video for, which, like the band is straight to the point and lets their music and performance speak for themselves.

Clutch are embarking on an extensive touring schedule, that will thankfully see the Maryland rockers grace our shores in late May and early June. The live arena is really what Clutch is known for, their live shows are energetic and Clutch deliver night after night of good time rock ‘n’ roll. Clutch have been described as a ‘cherished institution’ and a ‘cult phenomenon’, to which Fallon reacts happily, flattered, saying that when the band started out 14 years ago did they think did not expect that sort of reaction. However, they are very pleased to have such passionate fans who are not mediocre about their support.

Fallon acknowledges a good sense of humour, sincerity and passion as Clutch’s secret to success and longevity. He says that Clutch may have settled down a bit, not overindulging in the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle as much, but he does concede that there are times when it is called for and Clutch definitely know how to have a good time. Admittedly Clutch have toned it down, well, just enough to make sure that they deliver a killer show every night, because as Fallon says, that while for the band a gig is one in a string of shows, for the fans it may be the only gig they go to, so there is a definite responsibility to deliver.

And deliver they do! Clutch are no strangers to Australia, having wowed Aussie fans last year in a number of sell out shows, Clutch are back to do it all again this May/June. Joining them on the tour will be Melbourne bands Budd and Peeping Tom. Clutch promise a raucous night of straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll you can dance to.

The shows sold out almost instantly last time, so grab your tickets quickly and make sure that catch Clutch rocking down under in support of the stellar From Beale Street to Oblivion.

Atlas and Shock present Clutch
Thurs May 31- The Zoo Brisbane QLD
Fri June 1- The Metro Sydney NSW
Sat June 2 – Hi Fi Melbourne VIC

Tickets on sale now