For those unfamiliar with CLUTCH, the only thing you really need to know is that CLUTCH are a "blue-collar", all-American, do-it-yourself, straight up rock-n-roll band in every "classic" sense of the word. From their vintage Les Paul and Fender guitars, to the classic Marshall, Ampeg, Orange amps and cabs that bring their music to life. This band of brothers from Maryland play their own brand of groove-oriented rock with no apologies for not being the multi-platinum commercial success their former labels (Atlantic/Columbia) would have wanted them to be. Over 17 years of relentless touring combined with 8 full length albums of simple, yet complex and intelligently written music have earned them a loyal fan base of rabid die-hards who flat out adore this band as well as enjoy success that most bands will never realize.

It's refreshing that even in today's fragile economy the ticket prices for this show at House of Blues were only $12.50 in advance. Perhaps a direct result of CLUTCH's DIY attitude. Skipping the middle-men and consciously making their music available to the masses are one of the endearing qualities of this band. Tonight CLUTCH are touring in support of their new self-produced DVD / CD release "Full Fathom Five, Video / Audio Field Recordings", a collection of raw, unpolished live performances from 2007-2008 released through the band's own label "Weathermaker Music". In tow are up and coming bands NEVER BEEN CAUGHT, GRAVEYARD, and THE SWORD.

"It's a damn shame" says CLUTCH vocalist Neil Fallon while breaking the news that opening band "GRAVEYARD" are forced to cancel after the "mice-that-be" decided the band name was "too graphic" and apparently may be damaging to the pristine image of the mouse. Seriously?!? Check out The GRAVEYARD's MySpace and decide for yourself how insane the mouse must be! Thus, NEVER BEEN CAUGHT step to the stage and put together a nice 30 minute set of straight forward rock-n-roll very similar to CLUTCH's style, however, the obliging crowd seem to eagerly await the next band fresh off a European run with metal giants METALLICA.

As THE SWORD prepare to take the stage, their backdrop is raised to the howls of nearly the entire crowd excited to see this band perform. THE SWORD are are your typical dirty looking long-haired hippie types in need of a nice steak dinner. Their music has a bit of a discernible METALLICA influence, yet to most THE SWORD's music would be branded as "Doom" or "Stoner Rock". The Orange tube amps warm up to create that extremely dirty, overdriven guitar tone "Doom" is known for, but what really sets this band apart are the simple riffs, groovy hooks, and attacking punk / metal style combining with a haunting, almost eerie vocal style. THE SWORD are definitely a "live" band that need to be seen to be fully appreciated.

As CLUTCH take the stage to a nearly full room of anxious onlookers, the electricity in the air shifts from what was just another rock-n-roll concert to the full-on hell-raisin' atmosphere that ClUTCH concerts are known for. A noticeable void exists on stage as the usual keyboardist / organ player (a big part of CLUTCH's overall sound) is missing, however, guitarist J.P. Gaster has those parts covered in fine fashion as he wears out his wah-wah pedal to fill in the gaps. For CLUTCH fans the song selection for the evening can't get much better as the band takes the opportunity to display music spanning the band's entire discography! From 1993's "Transnational Speedway" album to their latest studio effort, 2007's "From Beale Street to Oblivion", the set list is best described as the "greatest hits" of CLUTCH. Songs including rockers from the early years such as "A Shogun Named Marcus", "Big News" and "The Elephant Riders" to the more recent fan favorites such as "Profits of Doom", "Cypress Grove" and "The Devil and Me".

CLUTCH are simply a band that could exist in any city at any time. Very average looking fellows, extremely humble and grateful to be out of the garage and making a living at doing what they love the most, the same traits that seem to connect with the fans of the band. Visit the official CLUTCH website for more on CLUTCH, one of America's hardest working and under-rated rock bands who deserve a listen.

4 outta 5 skulls (-1 skull because of mouse interference)