Weather maker

At it for more than two decades now, Clutch has become a beaming example of perseverance and self-sufficiency for an independent act. Often labeled as stoner rock or a metal-something band, this longstanding four-piece is and has always been, in reality, a classic rock band. Earth Rocker – as if the name doesn’t say enough – should convince everyone that Clutch has been mislabeled for years. There’s still ample experimentation and some solid lengthier jams here, but Earth Rocker remains focused on staying tight. Reining in some of the more experimental and meandering ways of the past, tracks like “Unto The Breach” deliver with force: It’s fast, aggressive, melodic and catchy. Picture a bar filled with dudes playing air guitar, holding Budweisers with ponytails flailing in the air. Now, you have it.