Well, this is going to be a bit different… I’m under pressure. This review is competing with the wonders of AI, artificial intelligence to be clear. A comment made during the Primordial Radio podcast this week has left me here and I wonder how I get myself into these predicaments. On next week’s podcast (live on Twitch 11am Wednesday 21 December) my claim that AI could not replace a gig review written by a human being will be put to the test. So, this review is going to be packed full of EQ to challenge the rise of machines…

The fact I even made it at all tonight is a miracle. I almost called in an AI back-up as I have spent most of the week in bed, struck down by some hideous virus. Having missed Alter Bridge, I was determined not to miss another gig but arrive in sub-zero temperatures, wearing nine million layers and only manage to catch part of first support band Tigercub. Formed in Brighton in 2011, this three-piece have released three EPs, and two full-length albums. The band power through a seven-track setlist, including latest single ‘The Perfume of Decay’ with its rousing guitars and catchy lyrics, and ‘Stop Beating on My Heart’ which fuses the same guitar vibes with slower paced vocals. The place is much busier than I expected and despite the freezing weather outside the band are greeted with warm enthusiasm. I need to give them more of a listen, but I like what I have heard tonight.  

Next up are London-based rock metallers, Green Lung. I have heard this band before but not paid them much attention, so I am intrigued when five somewhat normal looking lads take to the stage. With songs such as ‘The Ritual Tree’ and ‘Let the Devil In’ I was expecting long gowns and goat-skull masks but nope this youthful bunch look very down-to-earth as opposed to fresh from the gates of hell. With great on-stage rapport they remind me of the vocal highs of Greta Van Fleet, mixed with the moody and atmospheric melodies of Type O Negative (looking at some of their merch I sense a major influence here, which is not a bad thing since the latter are one of my all-time favourite bands). Lead singer, Tom, captures the audience’s attention and is instantly likeable, he is also a rather good vocalist. Equally impressive is organist, John Wright, who has a Ray Manzarek vibe. This is demonstrated in what is the highlight of the set for me, ‘Reaper’s Scythe’. I have heard this song before and I am delighted to hear it live for the first, but mostly definitely not, the last time, I’m sure. 

The place is looking fairly full by this point and as I glance around the room I observe a sea of mostly middle-aged men, some women and very few young people. Hardly surprising given our headline act Clutch, have been around since 1991 and many of these will no doubt be long serving fans, myself included. The last time I saw Clutch was in Academy 3 back in… *checks ticket collection*… 2007 (gulp, I thought it was more like 2012, where do the years go?) and before that supporting Corrosion of Conformity in Academy 2 in 2006!!! So, seeing them again tonight is well overdue (and why I was determined that the lurgy was not going to stop my plans). 

Clutch are a four-piece American rock band with an impressive thirteen studio albums. The line-up has only changed once in their 31-year history and that was in year one when their original singer was replaced by the demigod that is Neil Fallon. Tonight, they are going all out with a twenty song setlist and what a way to end the year, with this my final gig of 2022. From start to finish I am totally mesmerised (and no that’s not due to being dosed up on Lemsip). Fallon is in one word quite simply, cool, or cool AF if you like and totally OWNS it tonight. The rest of the band mesh with his vocals seamlessly. At one side of the stage, you have the highly animated powerhouse that is Fallon and on the other, the almost complete opposite, guitarist Tim Sult. His seemingly effortless demeanour makes guitar playing look so easy, and I am in total awe. These guys have got their performance down to a fine art and what I witness tonight is absolute perfection. 

I am pleasantly surprised to only recognise about half the playlist but there are no weak songs among this set. They start with ‘Red Alert (Boss Metal Zone)’ and ‘Nosferatu Madre’ from their latest album “Sunrise on Slaughter Beach”. Fallon exudes such charisma and a commanding stage presence, yet all his energy oozes from his gesticulations and arm movements. There is lots of pointing and throwing of arms and just pure passion, at one point says “well it’s better than dreaming” swoon… I could not agree more. This is the perfect pick me up after a shitty week and I cannot help but smile as the band’s enthusiasm is infectious. 

We go back in time with the next few songs, including firm favourite “The Mob Goes Wild’ from 2004 album “Blast Tyrant”. Fallon, with his thundering vocals, is actually a man of few words, which would normally annoy me if the gig looked like a chore, but the show they put on demonstrates just how much they love being Clutch and is summed up in the words to their next song, ‘Earthrocker’. 

“If you're gonna do it,
Do it live on stage, or don't do it at all.
If you're gonna do it,
You better take it to the stage, or don't do it at all” 

We stick with some of the older tracks before we get to one that I have been waiting for ‘X-Ray Visions’ and it was worth the wait. I knew there was something about Fallon that really captivated me (and not just because he is hot!) and then I remembered…

“And on the drums, Gemini
On bass guitar, presenting Pisces
On lead guitar, we have Aries
And on the microphone, Scorpio! Go”

A fellow sexy Scorpio, I did know that but subsequently forgot. That explains the few words, but amazing aura and this song appeals to my love of all things mystical and psychic. Turns out this song is influenced by author Philip K. Dick, whose 1968 novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” was the basis for “Blade Runner”. Bet the AI review doesn’t mention that… or maybe it will, and I will be totally freaked out.

We stick with 2015 album “Psychic Warfare” and the stage is lit up in a red glow for ‘Firebirds’ before we get back to latest single ‘Slaughter Beach’. The band are then joined on stage by a keyboardist who stays for the rest of the set as we skip back through time and lots of songs that I do not know but remain transfixed, along with the rest of the audience who are lapping it up. I have no idea what any of the songs are about and given lyrics and vocals are usually my focus I think that indicates the genius of Clutch. They are just sheer entertainment from start to finish. They are epic storytellers who take you on a journey but by the end of it you are none the wiser and I’ve no doubt that is their intention. This also fits with what comes next, the slow but no less enthralling ‘Spacegrass’. I am suddenly transported back in time to 2006’s Down gig when a pungent smell fills the air, timely. The band disappear and I am wracking my brains trying to think which songs they have not played. 

Then they are back with the same vigour we have experienced throughout the night with the mighty, and a song that is unmistakeably Clutch through and through, ‘10001110101’. A song apparently about robot revolutions… gulp. Maybe I should give this up and submit to the inevitable? But no because next is the song they just had to play ‘Electric Worry’, with Fallon joining in on guitar. If you have not listened to Clutch before and are wondering where to start, this is the song for you. It is pure bluesy, sing-along goodness and if this does not put a smile on your face, nothing will. Speaking of face, the last song is ‘The Face’, it is not one I know but they go out on a high and I am hungry for more. They promise to be back in 2023 and I hope that means another tour. 

So how do I measure up to the threat of AI? Do I really care? Not really. Thanks to everyone who has indulged me with these reviews for the last year or so. Special thanks to ROCKFLESH, our team of misfits. As I wave goodbye to 2022, I am grateful for all the gigs that have quite literally kept me sane and wanted to share some advice… next time you think you cannot do something and you say “No” before considering saying “Yes” remember life is short, the only thing you have to fear is fear itself. Stop looking at your phone, get out there and live your life. One thing for sure is I won’t be replaced by AI any sooner than musicians playing live music. And thank fuck for that. 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Clutch, Green Lung, Tigercub