Clutch is one of those bands. You either like ’em, or you don’t. But from my side of the fence, how can you not? I’ll admit that it took me a little bit of time to figure out what Clutch was all about. And then I figured it out – if you like rock and roll, Clutch might be the greatest rock and roll band you’ve never heard. They’re certainly one of the greatest live bands you haven’t seen. You’ve been leading a sheltered existence, and now it’s time for you to get out a little bit more.
Luckily for you, there is plenty to catch up on: The band have kicked out the best 3 album cycle in recent memory with the back to back releases of Blast Tyrant and Robot Hive/Exodus in 2004 and 2005 respectively, followed by the release of From Beale Street to Oblivion in 2007. The band summarized their recording and touring activities of the past few years with a live CD/DVD release, Full-Fathom Five: Audio Field Recordings, released late last year.
With the Clutch project running like a well-oiled machine, it was time for the individual members to take care of some side business. Today marks the release of El Rojo, the first proper full-length studio album from The Bakerton Group. The Bakerton Group is an all-instrumental affair that takes the jam factor of Clutch to a whole new level, while pushing onward musically into previously uncharted territory for a musical trip that boasts a more southern, psychedelic improvisational feel in comparison to the traditional Clutch sound. “Psychedelic” is the key word that popped out while listening to “Work ‘Em,” the seven minute-plus jam that pops up 3/4 of the way through El Rojo Listening to it, I swear to God that the alien from the Aliens franchise makes a guest appearance. Creepy. And I like it like that.
For years, the instrumental alter-ego of The Bakerton Group has provided a forum for the members of Clutch to open for themselves. What a concept – an opening act that you KNOW you’ll get along with. El Rojo features all four original members of Clutch, with the addition of Per Wiberg from Opeth for keyboard duties on the album. The band recorded El Rojo at home in Maryland at Magpie Cage Studios with J. Robbins producing.
The Bakerton Group are currently on the road promoting El Rojo with an evening of music featuring a special headlining set from Clutch to close each show on the tour. The Bakerton Group are also performing two headlining dates in Detroit and Chicago this week.
Here are the complete tour dates for The Bakerton Group with Clutch and special opening act Red Fang.
2.17.09 – The Majestic Theater, MADISON, WI
2.18.09 – The Double Door, DETROIT, MI**
2.19.09 – The Vogue, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
2.20.09 – The Terminal, TRAVERSE CITY, MI
2.21.09 – The Shelter, CHICAGO, IL **
2.22.09 – The Machine Shop, FLINT, MI
2.24.09 – Montage Music Hall, ROCHESTER, NY
2.25.09 – Higher Ground, BURLINGTON, VT
2.26.09 – The Asylum, PORTLAND, ME
2.27.09 – The Chance, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
2.28.09 – The Crazy Donkey, LONG ISLAND, NY
3.01.09 – The Chameleon Club, LANCASTER, PA
**The Bakerton Group headlining show
Relevant Links:
Purchase El Rojo from Amazon – CD
www.pro-rock.com
This album is sick. I love it.
Why did you superscript the links at the bottom of the post? Just curious… I might have missed something and you are just pro rock now, but I had to ask.
re: superscript – just a retarded WordPress plugin that I will probably remove.
I’ve been enjoying the hell out of The Bakerton Group disc, for sure….I have a few more Clutch albums that I need to put on my Ipod ASAP