|
Clutch, Suplecs, Brand New Sin, and
Disengage
The Agora Theatre
02-23-03
I got to the Agora a little late, so I missed all of
Disengage (bummer) and most of Brand New Sin. What I heard of Brand New Sin
sounded like a more accessible version of Down. Not bad, but nothing
mind-blowing either. Suplecs was up next, delivering a set of so-so stoner
rock. The guys played their hearts out, but I just didn't find the songs
very distinctive or memorable. The crowd was appreciative of both
bands, though, so maybe I’m just being cranky.
As one friend commented, Clutch looks like somebody
gave instruments to the lawn care crew. Just a bunch of normal
everyday guys playing some amazing and unique rock 'n' roll. No
posing, no costumes, no big rock show set pieces. Vocalist
Neil Fallon's undeniable stage presence and charisma and the band's
top notch musicianship are all the "gimmick" this band needs. They hit the
stage with a rousing rendition of “Immortal” that got the pit moving, and
the energy never ebbed once throughout the band’s set. In addition to old
favorites like “Elephant Riders” and “Escape From the Prison Planet” the
band also played several new as yet unreleased songs that bode well for the
next album. Most of the crowd seemed perfectly happy to hear the
unfamiliar tunes with the notable exception of one carrot throwing dipshit
towards the front. A few words from frontman Neil Fallon put him in his
place fairly quickly, though. As usual the group extended several songs
into tasteful jams, sort of like a hard rocking Grateful Dead. Nowhere near
as self indulgent, though. The mix and volume level were very nearly
perfect. Overall, this was one of the best performances I’ve seen in
quite a while. (Bob Ignizio)
 |
