ALBUM REVIEW: Clutch, "Book of Bad Decisions"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 07/09/2018

Label: Weathermaker Music

Clutch just keeps releasing one quality album after the next, each one incomparable to the one preceding it. Each album has that classic Clutch sound, yet each album looks forward and takes the listener out for one helluva good time. This new album, Book of Bad Decisions is no different. It’s a rip roaring, rock and roll party. And you’d better get yourself on the guest list.

Book of Bad Decisions CD//DD//LP track listing:

1 Gimme the Keys                          

2 Spirit of '76                     

3 Book of Bad Decisions                               

4 How to Shake Hands                  

5 In Walks Barbarella     

6 Vision Quest                  

7 Weird Times                  

8 Emily Dickinson                             

9 Sonic Counselor                           

10 A Good Fire              

11 Ghoul Wrangler                      

12 H.B. Is in Control     

13 Hot Bottom Feeder                               

14 Paper & Strife          

15 Lorelei

The Review:

There are two types of people in this world; those who love Clutch, and those who don’t know Clutch yet.

If you know Clutch, then you also know that last Friday, September 7th, was marked in everyone’s calendar as a holiday. After all, this was the date that Clutch released their umpteenth album, Book of Bad Decisions. And because this is a Clutch album, you know it’s going to be good.  And for those who don’t know Clutch yet, listen up: check out this new album. It’s just as good of an entry point as any into the band’s vast discography.

Sure, there isn’t a single Clutch album – in my humble opinion – that lacks in quality. Once upon a time these boys from the great state of Maryland got together in a jam room and made some tunes. They spent some time finding their voice and sound. Then they changed the face of stoner rock with the release of Blast Tyrant. It was at this moment, sometime early on in 2004, that these beasts from the east really found their stride. Robot Hive/Exodus and From Beale Street to Oblivion followed, making for a 3 album run the likes of which haven’t been seen since Led Zeppelin made the scene.

Am I talking the band up too much? Maybe. But I’m one who can throw on any Clutch album at any time and dig in. So let’s rap about this new one.

Before the album’s release, Clutch released 4 singles. And man, if these singles don’t rile you up, then what will? Anyway, “Gimme the Keys” led the charge with that famous Clutch march. A great song that walks that fine line between aggressive rock and a downright, dirty party. Singer Neil Fallon spits rhymes and wails away behind the mic in top form. Preaching? Sure is. Preaching the rock!

Then came “How to Shake Hands”, a song that’s as much a rager as it is indebted to John Lee Hooker. Wild lyrics fly around, the beats are pushed forward and the guitars are tastefully crunchy. The subject matter might seem questionable, but when you hear Fallon’s plans to put Jimi Hendrix on the 20 dollar bill, there’s nothing else left to do than to throw your fists in the air, jump around in the mosh pit, and sing along.

My favorite single came next, the tasty “Hot Bottom Feeder.” Here, Clutch shows that they can literally read out a recipe and by doing so, knock yet another song out of the park. Not long after, came the single “In Walks Barbarella;” a rompin’, stompin’ barn burner of a song, complete with horn section, comic book references and a hook so big that you could take this song fishing and catch a whale.

But then I wondered, has Clutch blown their load on these singles? What’s left of their story to tell?

Well, the album’s 15 songs long and there’s not one moment in which the energy drops. “Spirit of ‘76” is a short, sweet ditty with a sticky chorus. The title track follows, stomping along in true blues style as Fallon paints a pretty vivid picture. And that bass line, man, listen to that!

“Vision Quest” and “Weird Times” are in the 6 and 7 spot of the track list, and break things up nicely. “Vision Quest” rides a sweet roll on the piano, an element that really rounds out the song. “Weird Times” has a cool call and response chorus, and I gotta say, if Fallon can pull this chorus off with as much gusto in a live setting as he does he on record, then things are going to go nuts.

More hits follow in the second half of the album. The slower “Emily Dickinson” is about just that, and it’s no surprise that “Lorelei” tells a mythological tale. “Ghoul Wrangler” makes its mark with the “woo!” that starts the chorus, and “Sonic Counselor” really puts Clutch in that gospel church setting. “A Good Fire” is going to be off the hook when taken to the stage, as will the groovy “H.B. Is in Control.” So yeah, hits, hits and more hits.

Yeah, I’m a fan of Clutch. Seen ‘em take to the stage over 30 times. Sometimes, I spend more time sitting in a car getting to and from a Clutch gig than the gig itself lasts. And there’s not been one single time that I’ve regretted doing so. This review is written as a fan of the band. A fan who hasn’t stopped listening to the album since its release last Friday. Who knows, maybe you want to take this review with a grain of salt.

But hear this…

Clutch just keeps releasing one quality album after the next, each one incomparable to the one preceding it. Each album has that classic Clutch sound, yet each album looks forward and takes the listener out for one helluva good time. This new album, Book of Bad Decisions is no different. It’s a rip roaring, rock and roll party. And you’d better get yourself on the guest list.

Book of Bad Decisions is available now

Band info: facebook || official

ALBUM REVIEW: Brant Bjork, "Mankind Woman"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 14/09/2018

Label: Heavy Psych Sounds

The new album is an experience and should be taken in as a whole. It’s an album that flows, jumps, and jives. It’s what Brant wants to do. It’s the Brant we know. It’s the Brant we love. Long story short, this album is a fine extension to his varied discography.

“Mankind Woman” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Chocolatize

2. Lazy Wizards

3. Charlie Gin

4. Mankind Woman

5. Pisces

6. Swagger & Sway

7. Somebody

8. Pretty Hairy

9. Brand New Old Times

10. 1968

11. Nation Of Indica

The Review:

Brant's a cool dude. That's a fact, Jack. Be it his cool blues of 'Saved by Magic,' or the cool drummer-dude-from-Kyuss-on-a-solo-trip with 'Jalamanta,' all the way to the cool-guy-on-a-couch vibe of 'Local Angel.' No matter which album you pick up, one thing’s for certain; Brant's cool. Always has been. And if his new album, 'Mankind Woman' is anything to go by, Brant will remain cool.

This time out, Brant's joined by Bubba DuPree on the songwriting credits. You know Bubba as the guitarist on Brant's last 2 albums. Brant has also opened the studio door for his 'special guest' Sean Wheeler, who steps behind the mic on 2 tracks. By opening up this release to the influences of his friends, Brant is also opening up his mind to a new songwriting approach.

Don't fret, Brant's box riffs and blues solos are still here. The 60’s and 70’s are still very much at the forefront. As is Brant’s desert home. It’s just that this time out, Brant’s given his riffs even more room to breathe. This is found in his slow, almost reggae like approach to how he performs these songs. And it’s also abundant in the album's production. The space creates a much more open atmosphere this time out. Certainly in comparison to his 3 album run over at Napalm Records. With this approach, Brant brings the listener directly to the studio. Don’t be shy. Come on in, the door's open!

Given that riffs have more space to breathe, so do the songs. The general pace on this album is slower but no less ripe for some good time live jamming. Yeah, there's a scorcher here and there, but for the most part, Brant has cooled down considerably and is playing it cool. And that's cool by me.

There's no sense cherry picking songs for this review. The new album is an experience and should be taken in as a whole. It’s an album that flows, jumps, and jives. It’s what Brant wants to do. It’s the Brant we know. It’s the Brant we love. Long story short, this album is a fine extension to his varied discography.

So if it's cool you're looking for, dig in to 'Mankind Woman.' The world's tense enough as it is nowadays, certainly for Brant as an American artist, so why not give yourself the opportunity to enjoy the things you love. Be it your partner, your weed or your rock and roll, there's something on this new Brant album that'll help you put things into perspective. Just be cool and let it happen.

“Mankind Woman” is available here

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Evil Triplet, "Have A Nice Trip"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 20/07/2018

Label: Super Secret Records

Is messy riffing intertwined with harmonics, synthesizer swirls and keys your thing? If so, hop on the Evil Triplet space ship and don’t look back.

“Have a Nice Trip” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Space Kitten

2). A Day Like Any Other

3). Aren’t You Experienced?

4). Open Heart

5). Pyramid Eye

6). Apparition

The Review:

Messy riffing intertwined with harmonics, synthesizer swirls and keys? Is that your bag? Then by all means, what the hell are you waiting for? Go grab Evil Triplet’s new album, “Have A Nice Trip”. It’s great!

At first glance, Evil Triplet may sound like your every day psych-rock band. But give this album – and their last one, too – a few spins and you’ll experience the magic coming to the surface. There are melodic subtleties that have me going, did I really just hear that? Then there’s some discordant, angular riffing makes me wonder how someone lands on such an idea. Not only that, but how does one convince the rest of the band to go along? But then again, if you take into account how wet the vocals sound, I guess anything’s possible.

The album’s highlight is definitely “Open Heart.” It’s as close as the band gets to a song with a pop structure. A solid verse leads into a great chorus, and it’s all driven by those messy riffs, synthesizer swirls and keys. “Aren’t You Experienced” is a sprawling cut that lets loose of a lot of song structure but is no less catchy. The song’s lyrics tell a drug-themed tale by way of extra long verses and a concise chorus.

Then there’s the album’s closer, “Apparition.” Depending on the mood of the listener, this song is either a space-ballad or a road rager. As a song, Evil Triplet manage to capture both vibes in one, so the choice is that of the listener’s as to what they want to hear. How trippy is that? And it’s weird stuff like this that adds to the band’s magic.

So again, I ask you – is messy riffing intertwined with harmonics, synthesizer swirls and keys your thing? If so, hop on the Evil Triplet space ship and don’t look back.

“Have a Nice Trip” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Astrosoniq, "Big Ideas Dare Imagination"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 02/06/2018

Label: Van Records

“Big Ideas Dare Imagination” DD//LP track listing:

1). King

2). The Great Escape

3). Mindless

4). KEPPRA!

5). Vision Factor

6). Freezen

The Review:

A year ago, Astrosoniq lost a close friend and sometimes band mate. His name was Bidi. He was a guy who clearly made an impact on the heavy rock scene of The Netherlands and beyond. As a tribute to their fallen brother, Astrosoniq took to the studio and made this, their new album, “Big Ideas Dare Imagination.” The band brought in many friends to participate in the making, writing and performing of this album. It’s a group effort. It’s an album the band and their surrounding community needed to make.

Astrosoniq has been around for quite some time. The amount of recognition that they’ve received for their work is arguably underrated. Albums such as “Made in Oss” (technically an EP), “Son of A.P. Lady” and my personal favorite, “Speeder People” are incredibly adventurous. These albums push the borders of every genre in existence – yes, even that one – and they make it work. Doomy jazz with a country twang? The Wizards of Oss master it.

Surprisingly enough, this new album is not as adventurous as the band is known to be. Each song on here is a rock song- sometimes metal, sometimes stoner – but the adventure factor is missing. The experimentation can be heard when it comes to song structures and the addition of a saxophone, for example, but the wild ride Astrosoniq is known to offer just isn't here. For me, as a fan of the band, this took some getting used to.

So I wondered - does the passing of a friend call for a wild adventure? The slow, weirdo hook of opening track “King,” certainly doesn’t think so. It makes its point just fine. The rolling bass and passionate vocals of “The Great Escape” also see no reason to fly off the handle. It’s a sturdy song, just as the straight up rockers of “Mindless” and “Keppra!” are pretty cool songs. Album closer, “Freezen,” is the weirdest and most refreshing track, even if it is just leaning on 1 idea the whole time. So the songs are good. But where does this album fit in the Astrosoniq discography?

I’m left with mixed emotions here. Astrosoniq have made an album that’s close to their hearts. That’s obvious. The passion, courage and heartfelt emotion are certainly present in these 6 tracks. Involving guest musicians was a good move. Bidi made an impression on many people, so it’s a no-brainer to involve these people when making a tribute to the guy. At the end of the day, though, “BIDI” doesn’t gel as an album. Each song very much stands on its own, almost to the point that “BIDI” sounds like 6 songs made by 6 bands. However, considering the context of the album, this isn’t a critique in the slightest. This is the album that Astrosoniq needed to make. This is the adventure Astrosoniq needed to take. The listener will just have to approach these songs with an open mind.

“Big Ideas Dare Imagination” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Barst, "The Endeavour"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 18/05/2018

Label: Consouling Sounds

‘The Endeavour” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. The Endeavour

The Review:

Boy! Barst has done it again. On their 2016 outing, “Western Lands,” Barst yielded stunning results when they combined post metal aggression with claustrophobic psychedelia. This Friday, Barst is going to hit the scene with a new offering, “The Endeavour.” In doing so, this Belgian band is taking their sound to unexplored territories.

“The Endeavour” is presented as one, 42 minute song. Whether “The Endeavour” actually is one, single song is up for debate. I’d go so far as to say the album is three of four movements, all tied together by way of smooth transitions. But presentation counts for a lot, and if Barst wants us to take this album in as one song, then that’s what we’ll do. Either way, the band implores the listener to give the music full and undivided attention.

As far as genre is concerned, “The Endeavour” is hard to pin down. There’s definitely a dark element to the music, and it’s heavy in its own way. Is it metal? Yeah. Industrial? Check. Psychedelic? No doubt. Heavy doom? Uh-huh. And those are just a few of the genres that Barst brings to the table.

Throughout, the guitars are laden with a variety of distortion effects. None of the guitars are ever overpowering, but they sure do set the mood. So there’s still a subtlety in the music that holds the band back from diving head first into mindless riffing. “The Endeavour” continues its foray into the unknown by introducing programmed percussion and other electronics, giving way to a rather palpable industrial influence. Sometimes an Ufomammut tint springs to mind and at other times the music gets psychedelic enough to wonder if it’s still Barst that we’re listening to.

Then there’s the emotional palette that Barst paints from. It’s probably even more varied than the musical palette. Barst spends these 42 minutes intently dipping their proverbial paintbrush in the darkest of blacks as well as the brightest of colors. The resulting painting is one that grabs attention of both its somber tone as well as its shades of hope and elation.

Despite the sprawling nature of the music on “The Endeavour,” the album is still a very concise listen. Barst’s plan of attack is based on a clear vision, so much so that every note and chord and melody played is as intentional as the last. Barst’s vision is so sound that they don’t get caught up in themselves, but instead are able to translate what was in their mind to a recorded format without coming across as self-indulgent.

“The Endeavour” is available digitally, on CD and LP here

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW & TRACK PREMIERE: Monster Magnet, "Mindfucker"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/03/2018

Label: Napalm Records

If you’re ready for a simple space rock record that’s sturdy, hooky and well written, take “Mindfucker” out for a spin. 

“Mindfucker” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Rocket Freak

2). Soul

3). Mindfucker

4). I’m God

5). Drowning

6). Ejection

7). Want Some

8). Brainwashed

9). All Day Midnight

10). When The Hammer Comes Down

The Review:

Monster Magnet’s evolution has been fun to follow. Back in the day, when front man and key driving force of the band, Dave Wyndorf, got his band of psychedelic gods together, they got weird. As time progressed, the ‘Magnet remained a psychedelic powerhouse, but one that consistently moved forward from where they began. The days of long, drawn out and druggy jams are behind us. Now, we’re reveling in a period of shorter, leaner songs with big hooks. Fans of Monster Magnet are sometimes divided in the camps of “early” and “modern” Monster Magnet. There’s no need for these camps, though, because Monster Magnet has always been - and will always be - a band that knows when it’s time to get weird and when it’s time to rock out. Isn’t that what stoner rock is all about?’

So it’s now 2018, almost five years removed from Monster Magnet’s last studio album, “Last Patrol.” Where that album, and certainly the redux albums that followed it, brought both hooks and jams to the fold, this new album, “Mindfucker” is all about the rock and the roll. “Mindfucker” tells a simple story to the tune of compact riffs and songs that move pretty quickly. About half of the songs are around the 4 minute mark, which reflects the simple song structures.

But rest assured, simple isn’t bad, by any means. In the case of “Mindfucker,” simple is even somewhat a breath of fresh air. There’s that MC5 vibe in these songs and punk rock is never far out of reach. The hooks are firmly mounted and effortlessly carry the weight of the songs. Bob Pantella and Chris Kosnik play their asses off, running the sturdy rhythms up and down the dance floor.

Like any good Monster Magnet set list, the weirder tracks are spread out evenly between all the ragers. “I’m God” (exclusively streaming below) rears its head after the three songs that open the “Mindfucker” party. This track is the largest of the bunch, with a huge chorus that has Wyndorf stepping to the mic to proclaim that he, in fact, is God. Kind of a strange claim to make, sure, but Wyndorf’s lyrics have always been pretty out there, rather arrogant and more or less out of this world. After all, he delivers these lines with such conviction that he makes the lyrics work. The song uses every second of its 6:16 run time to fly off into space, in only the way that Monster Magnet knows how; Wyndorf at the helm, one foot on the monitor, colorful, flashing lights everywhere…all seen through a fish-eye lens.

The songwriting aside, the production of this album is also top notch. “Mindfucker” is a party, despite some of the themes in the lyrics. The way the guitars sound and how this is mixed with Pantella’s cymbal work, makes this record sound rambunctious. “Mindfucker” even goes so far as to sound like a live recording, one that has Wyndorf pulling in the crowd and having the audience scream their lungs out for the entire duration of the record.

If you’re ready for a simple space rock record that’s sturdy, hooky and well written, take “Mindfucker” out for a spin. Go on, let loose of the hopes that Monster Magnet are going to make another “Spine of God.” The band’s moved on and is having a great time doing it. Join them for the ride, you won’t regret it.

“Mindfucker” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Earthless, "Black Heaven"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 16/03/18

Label: Nuclear Blast

“Black Heaven” is going to grab 2018 by the nuts and set the bar for what makes a good classic-rock influenced record. We can all take a lesson from Earthless.

“Black Heaven” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Gifted by the Wind (6:28 )

2. End to End (5:16)

3. Electric Flame (8:51)

4. Volt Rush (1:53)

5. Black Heaven (8:45)

6. Sudden End (8:26)

The Review:

If you thought Earthless was still an instrumental power trio from California, it’s time to make an adjustment. On their new album, “Black Heaven,” Earthless hits the streets with 45 minutes of rockin’ songs. That’s right, songs. With choruses, verses, bridges and yes, even vocals.

Guitarist Isaiah Mitchell let the cat out of the bag and told his band mates that he can sing. And how! Sure, Golden Void is Mitchell’s side project, and it’s one that has him step up to the mic, but his vocal performance on this new Earthless record is a whole different kettle of fish.

The added value to “Black Heaven” isn’t just the addition of vocals. “Black Heaven” goes further and posits these Californians not only as instrumental bad asses who are technically gifted. This album goes so far as to show that these cats can lay down a tasty lick, tie it together with some verses, and come out the other end with a helluva tasty song.

So what does Earthless sound like playing these songs? Well, I hear a lot of Van Halen coming through the speakers. Certainly when it comes to “Gifted by the wind”and the 9 minute centerpiece, “Electric Flame.” But the classic rock and metal influences don’t stop here. You hear elements of Cream pop up in “End to End” and some colorful southern rock harmonies brighten up the place in the album’s closer, “Sudden End.” There’s even a little ZZ Top shuffle sprinkled over everything. What’s not to like?

Yeah, the record’s pretty retro. But, believe it or not, it’s also original. Earthless aren’t copying anyone, they’re channeling the greats. These boys know what they’re doing, too. There’s no instance of phoning it in. Earthless uses “Black Heaven” to show that they’re more than a one trick pony. They’ve got more up their sleeves than instrumental jams that go on for eons. And that’s awesome. Earthless also uses “Black Heaven” to show how to keep things fresh in a genre that’s dangerously close to being played out.

“Black Heaven” isn’t a masterpiece. It won’t stand the test of time in the same way that the Sabbath’s and the Zeppelin’s have. That’s fine, because for now, “Black Heaven” is going to grab 2018 by the nuts and set the bar for what makes a good classic-rock influenced record. We can all take a lesson from Earthless.

“Black Heaven” is available here

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Against The Grain - "Cheated Death"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 09/02/2018

Label: Ripple Music 

For fans of speedrock, "Cheated Death" is a record to get a hold of. It flows from start to finish and makes no issue of being entirely indebted to their peers. The tunes speak for themselves, really, and its Against the Grain's sharp sense of melody and keen songwriting prowess that gives this band that je ne sai qoui

“Cheated Death” CD//DD//LP track listing:

01. Cheated Death
02. Full Of Smoke
03. Sacrifice
04. No Sleep
05. Last Chance
06. Devils And Angels
07. High Heeled Woman
08. Rolling Stone
09. Enoughs Not Enough
10. Going Down Fast
11. Jaded And Faded
12. Into The Light

The Review:

Ok, I've done the math for you. The press release laid so much emphasis on Against The Grain's tenure as a live band, I had to do the math. The answer? Since Against The Grain got started in 2009, the band has averaged one show every 3 and a half days. That's pretty impressive. And if you're curious what this equation has to do with Against The Grain's new album, "Cheated Death," well, let me explain.

Coming out of the Motor City, Against The Grain plays motor rock. That's kind of a no-brainer. Speed rock, whatever you want to call it. It's what these boys from Michigan do. This music calls upon those who play it, to play it fast, hard and most of all tight. Imagine a sloppy speedrock band. It just doesn't work. One show every 3 and a half days has made this band from Michigan become a unit, and the results are finger-licking good.

Against The Grain lay their claim to the genre from the offset. Opener and title track shows exactly how tight they are, and from that point on, the band never lets up. They just keep on going. From the throaty "Rolling Stone" to the punkish highlight of "Jaded and Faded," Against The Grain lives up to their song titles, album title and artwork. They're raw, they're tough and they're going to do this until they die.

So yes, Against The Grain is one tight band. All those days out on the road can be heard on these recordings. Whether its the double guitar soloing in "Last Chance" that reminds me of Thin Lizzy or the vocal harmonies in "Going Down Fast" that brings up KISS at their least annoying, Against The Grain have really stepped up their game here.

For fans of speedrock, "Cheating Death" is a record to get a hold of. It flows from start to finish and makes no issue of being entirely indebted to their peers. The tunes speak for themselves, really, and its Against The Grain's sharp sense of melody and keen songwriting prowess that gives this band that je ne sai qoui

“Cheated Death” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp