Search - Clutch :: Elephant Riders

ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF THE 90s!

BW | 01/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clutch is one of the most wicked and deliciously un-commercial bands out there, but with their underground status comes PURE GENIUS! Clutch is so misunderstood, but the true appeal of the band's uniqueness comes through on "The Elephant Riders," their Columbia Records debut.Frankly, I'm amazed that Columbia even got what this band was about. Imagine taking everything you love about Black Sabbath and classic stoner Rock, update the production, write lyrics that are incredibly clever and make it hip for anyone who's ever dared to question what hip is. Clutch is everything a Hard Rock fan could want without an ounce of pretentiousness.Clutch's lyrics sound like they were stolen from the script of "Deliverance," and their backwoods, fuzzy guitar tones will mystify with their hypnotic groove.Clutch is one of the most under-appreciated bands of the decade - if you don't own this album, BUY IT. It's well worth the sonic pleasure it will bring.True fans should seek out their newly released "Jam Room" EP. It's well worth the effort."

Think they're 'growing' as a band...

BW | Indianapolis, Indiana | 07/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been listening to Clutch since '93, when Transnational Speedway League came out. I found their stripped-down sound to be great, but what captured my attention was the unbelievably clever lyrics. Granted, I had to follow along via liner notes as Neil Fallon's vocal chords seemed to be shredding on every other track. Clutch is, by far, the most original of bands as far as songwriting goes; they're like a white-trash version of Rush. Now with this album, it's true, much of the aggression is gone and this is far more mellow, but the witty lyrics continue to flow. 'Ship of Gold' and 'The Soapmakers' being good examples of lyrical prowess and also good jams. Lastly, if you think Clutch has taken a mellower tack, hey--I'm down with any band that can work a trombone solo into the mix. Let's see other bands do THAT! So what if they're not as aggro as they were in 1993? Hey, maybe some of 'em got married and had kids! I have since then. Leave us old farts alone!"

Amazing Album

Francis | arlington, va | 09/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand the popular sentiment among Clutch fans that this album isn't up to par with the rest of their material. This is one of, if not their very best, album to date. For my money, Blast Tyrant is still their absolute best and one of the top rock albums ever made, but Elephant Riders is very close. Every song is outstanding and Clutch take some gambles here that really pay off. It is remarkable to see the transitions made in their first three releases, and the improvements they made to their sound in each. Elephant Riders, in my opinion, was the first Clutch album with cohesive song writing and really technical playing. With the Soapmakers, you have one of the greatest Clutch songs ever, featuring a totally different country rock feel, with a new style from Neil, and some outstanding riffs and lyrics. The brass accompaniment on the instrumental Crackerjack is really outstanding, while Clutch returns to some full on heavy metal with Dragonfly - hearkening back to their Transatlantic Speedway days but totally exceeding anything on that record.



I just don't understand why this album isn't seen as one of the greatest in Clutch's catalog because for my money it certainly deserves to be recognized as such."