It doesn't take a DEA agent to notice that in recent years, Clutch have been reaching for the bottle of smooth sipping whiskey rather than the bong. Their latest offering, "From Beale Street To Oblivion", continues this trend with the bands trademark bluesy boogie strutting about in fine form with enough swagger to ensure substantial beard growth.

Groove is king and Clutch make sure the dust doesn't settle as they march forth with smoky southern riffing and a stout rhythm section. Increased usage of organ and harmonica boost morale and slow burning mid-tempo numbers take precedence. But that's not to say Clutch are mellowing out as much as they continue to mature. It would take more than a few grey hairs and male pattern baldness to inhibit them from unleashing these smoldering solos and ever colorful performances.

Sure in contrast to the bands earliest work "From Beale Street To Oblivion" may sound like night and day. But the fact that these gents have reworked "One Eye Dollar" from 1999's "Jam Room" and included it here, with few being the wiser, is a testament to just how settled in Clutch have become. No longer do they have to reinvent themselves, instead, much like that ol' bottle of whiskey, they just continue to get stronger and smoother with age.