Clutch – Weathermaker Vault Series Vol.I
Release Date: 27th November 2020
Label: Weathermaker
Genre: Stoner Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock.
FFO: Orange Goblin, Monster Magnet, The Sword.
Review By: Paul Franklin
In the middle of 2019 Clutch started releasing digital only singles as a way of keeping themselves active after the completion of their last tour. These singles were a mix of covers and re-worked versions of old Clutch numbers and released via their own record label, Weathermaker. So positive was the response to these singles that the decision was made to compile them together, with a couple of unreleased tracks, and release a 10-track album under the moniker Weathermaker Vault Series Vol.I.
If we start with the Clutch songs, things kick off in typical raucous style with the hefty riffs of Passive Restraints, the title track from the band’s 1992 EP. This version with extra grunt courtesy of Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe. Next up is live favorite Electric Worry, the band opting for a more stripped back interpretation that forgoes the organ and harmonica of the Beale Street album version.
Until now only available on a split 7” from 2014, Run, John Barleycorn, Run, chugs along on a wicked bass groove, that brings to mind Sabbath in their glory days. The reworking of stoner trip out of Spacegrass has increased in pace (slightly) and sounds fuller, with more layers of swirling psychedelia and richer vocals. Smoke Banshee has been cleaned up, but is still the towering presence it was on Pure Rock Fury, leaving the original songs to finish up with a sumptuous revamping of Wille Nelson, complete with some lush backing vocals.
On to the covers. The Willie Dixon/Cactus Evil (is Going On) should be familiar to most (especially for us Monster Magnet fans!) and is a great choice for a band with the depth of sound that Clutch can achieve. Anyone who caught the “Please forgive me Mr Gibbons” line in Psychic Warfare’s A Quick Death in Texas, will not be surprised to hear that Neil and the boys absolutely nail the ZZ Top cover Precious and Grace, no forgiveness needed. Previously unreleased is Algo Ha Cambiado, sung with that familiar gruff tone in Spanish it’s a cover of an old punk rock track by an Argentinian legend Norberto Napolitan.
Which leaves possibly the standout track on the album. The cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Fortunate Son. Clutch started including this cover in their live set, and it is just glorious. Bursting with exuberant energy, it takes the original and turns everything up to 11 and damn! It makes you feel good.
It’s not necessary to know the originals to appreciate the reworked versions (although don’t let that prevent you from checking out Clutch’s magnificent back catalogue), and the cover versions all dazzle in triumph.
Roll on Vol.II.
(4 / 5)
