Kingcrimsonprog Clutch’s seventh studio album Robot Hive/Exodus was released in 2005 and had the impossible task of following up the band’s astounding 2004 album Blast Tyrant. Despite the pressure, Robot Hive’ nails it from the attitude filled open to its dreamy close.

Neil Fallon impresses as usual with his utterly unique and spectacular vocals and lyrics, which help make Clutch one of the most fun and interesting bands out there. Complex political theory and obscure historical references sit beside bizarre surrealist imagery and odd juxtapositions; all delivered in amazing croons, growls and soulful shouts.

The band; now augmented with keyboards, are on top form musically delivering their usual standard of impressive virtuosic moments mixed with the subtle and restrained styles that define them. Big riffs, noodley jams and extremely tight rock beats all sit seamlessly together from an astounding collective of brilliant musicians.

The album is one of strong highlights, such as the bluesy slow number ‘Gravel Road,’ which erupts into a gigantic riff after its slide guitar intro, or the heavy and intense ‘Burning Beard,’ which has a furious impact with its dramatically urgent verses. In addition to ‘10001110101,’ which makes amazing use of the band’s talents.

The album is solid all the way through however, and tracks like ‘Never Be Moved,’ and ‘Subtle Hustle,’ that don’t have a definitive handle to instantly identify them by, like ‘the slow one,’ or ‘the heavy one,’ are still a brilliant set of top quality enjoyable rock music, that get better on every listen.

In summary; the album is just so masterfully crafted and the arrangements, performances and production are all marvelous making Robot Hive/Exodus an utter joy to listen to. If you like Clutch, get this album.