Clutch

Maryland groove rockers Clutch finally return with their long-awaited follow-up to 2009's Strange Cousins From the West. Their tenth studio album since forming in 1990, Earth Rocker takes the band's love for rock'n'roll and puts it on full display. The record is faster and heavier than some of their previous releases, featuring a much more distortion-laden sound from guitarist Tim Sult, showcased on the title track and "Crucial Velocity." The addition of harmonica, which makes "D.C. Sound Attack" a highlight, and tambourine are both more pronounced than on previous efforts, giving Earth Rocker a playful vibe. Insanely catchy, groove-filled riffs are abundant, as is Neil Fallon's preacher-like hollering — this is what Clutch are known for and they've mastered the formula (just listen to "Mr. Freedom" or "The Face"). The band offer up a break midway through with the blues-y "Gone Cold," which is a heavy, slow-paced number that features Fallon's deep, melancholic croon. Amplifying what they did on Strange Cousins and 2007's From Beale Street to Oblivion, Earth Rocker is a mix of iconic Clutch and rock'n'roll nostalgia. Unique and dynamic, this is what Clutch do — and do best.