Clutch

One’s interpretation of Clutch, the mostly metal and sometimes funk-soaked ensemble, depends on where in the game a listener was made hip to the band’s interpretation of Led Zeppelin doing the nasty with Black Sabbath. Fans of their 1993 debut, Transnational Speedway League: Anthems, Anecdotes and Undeniable Truths, still muse about rocking the steak and mashed potatoes-friendly album while playing Ken Griffey Jr. on Super NES with fingers caked in orange Cheetos remnants. Two years later, on a self-titled effort, Clutch went all astro-cosmic experimental with pirate-like manifestos fused with nursery rhymes and unforgettable lyrics like, “Jesus on the dashboard/Oh, yeah!” Now with 10 full-lengths in their discography, including From Beale Street to Oblivion — engineered by Joe Barresi (Kyuss, The Melvins) — aged Clutch followers may experience some difficulty recognizing the band’s continued radio-ready embrace. Though their focus has shifted to crafting arena-rock anthems, their charming foundation remains, ranging from lead singer Neil Fallon and his pissed-off drill sergeant vocals to meaty guitars oozing with a Ron Jeremy-type sleaze that allows listeners to sink their teeth into the grade-A premium sound.