Clutch 'Robot Hive: Exodus' album

In 2001, The New York Times described Clutch as “a perfect turn-of-the-century rock band.” They obviously had it wrong – unless they were talking about the turn of the next century. Some people say if you look into the past you can see the future, but don’t try it with Clutch (though you might hear them mentioned again on ESPN Sportscenter during the Stanley Cup playoffs). Right when you think you have them figured out, Clutch surprises you, like the band covering blues legend Howlin’ Wolf’s “Who’s Been Talking?” on their new record ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS.

ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS contains 14 tracks of hard, rhythmic rock and roll. The band “reigned in the bits and created the record in a more analog approach,” says singer Neil Fallon. The result is a record saturated with a “presence” unlike any previous Clutch record. The band also elaborated its trademark poetic style: “Lyrically, the record picks up where Blast Tyrant left off and resolves in old blues.” One important new musical feature of the record is the work of keyboard player Mick Schauer in his first extensive studio work with the band; Mick started touring with Clutch after Blast Tyrant was released in 2004. In their words, “He’s on the record.” The record’s blues atmosphere gives a new meaning to “moonshine.” Tracks such as “Gravel Road” and “Gullah” are a potent brew of blues and rock, while other songs such as “Mice and Gods” distill the band’s power into pure rock form.

ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS is the seventh studio record from Clutch. The band was formed nearly 15 years ago in Germantown, Maryland. Since then they have released two live records, several EPs’ and been featured on film soundtracks, video games, and dozens of compilation albums. Throw in about two thousand concerts, shake, and serve: Clutch is known the world over as America’s hardest working and hardest touring rock band: ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS is the witness and the proof.

ROBOT HIVE/EXODUS was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, N.Y. (where other acts such as Dave Matthews, Phish, and R.E.M. have recorded). It was mixed at Water Music in Hoboken, N.J. where the band recorded much of their last record, Blast Tyrant (DRT 2004).

Clutch added several high-profile TV appearances to their busy touring schedule in 2004, and their music was featured repeatedly on Bam Margera’s hit MTV show “Viva La Bam!” Bam, who directed the video for “The Mob Goes Wild” from the acclaimed Blast Tyrant CD (the video is featured on the DVD of the show’s first season), invited Clutch back to perform a live set, portions of which were broadcast during an episode on the show’s fourth season in the Spring of 2005.

Clutch is:
Dan Maines – Bass
Tim Sult – Guitar
Jean-Paul Gaster – Drums
Neil Fallon – Vocals, Guitar
Mick Schauer – All Keys

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Clutch - Robot Hive: Exodus