Clutch

Hard-rock quartet Clutch is celebrating 2012 by hitting the road in support of its first collection of new material since its 2009 album, Strange Cousins from the West. The new release is a limited-edition picture-disc single and features two new recordings: “Pigtown Blues” and an acoustic version of Strange Cousins’ “Motherless Child.”

Formed in 1991 in Germantown, MD, Clutch’s unmistakable sound paved the way for other heavy bands of the ‘90s. Singer, songwriter and lyricist Neil Fallon is largely responsible for the band’s personality. Known for its tendency to defy genre, Clutch has variously included elements of aggressive stoner-rock, hardcore punk, psychedelic jam and even blues.

“We just do what we do, with no apologies,” reads a quote from Fallon in a press release from the band. “We entertain ourselves first, and then others. We’re not trying to produce what is popular, and we never write songs just to be played on the radio. As a result, it’s been difficult for labels to place us.”

To date, Clutch has amassed nine studio albums and a handful of live releases and EPs. The band’s near-constant touring regimen has not slowed, despite the increased span and accessibility of music provided by the web.

“[It]’s almost overwhelming how many bands are out there,” Fallon told metalsucks.com, a heavy-metal news website, last year. “It’s probably easy to get lost in the shuffle. But I don’t think the Internet will ever replace getting in the van and touring, and doing tour after tour where you’re playing for a handful of people. Usually, if the music is great, it’ll do its own work. People will talk about it, and that’s the best promotion you can ever ask for.”

The band's current tour segment, with Prong and Lionize in tow, kicked off July 11 in Fayetteville, AR and ends July 22 in Richmond, VA.