CLUTCH

Like the metaphysical opening number "We Are Written". It is all written when we are born. If ever it would be true?

Even if it is a down-sized version of the Graaf who is playing here, the symptoms exist. They just point out during "Crossed Wires" but are much more evident during the very good "Driven". It is a song full of poetry and passion. These dark and intimate moments are extremely pleasant. They so much confirm that Peter is out of the ordinary. But who ever doubt about this?

"Once You Called Me" is a beautiful song with vibrant lyrics about the relationship between a daughter and her father. It is so true that I can't avoid mentioning the first part of this emotional song: "I wish that I remembered better. You've grown so fast before my very eyes. The woman that you're now becoming suddenly takes me by surprise. I thought that there'd be time and tide a-plenty to grow into a proper fatherhood but underneath our feet the sands were shifting. You spread your wings, soon you'll be gone from me for good. And when I tucked you in at night and swore I'd always love you madly I'd wonder would this be the last time that you'd ever call me Daddy?

Whether your child was a boy or a girl, I guess that each of us has been through such feelings when our child (ren) grow (s) up. Since my son is now eighteen, I am totally in.

Clutch holds some dark and pessimistic tracks like "The Ice Hotel" which could have been used as part of the soundtrack for "The Day After". Brrrrrrrr.bloody cold in here.

I particularly liked the lyrics (but not the music) of "This Is The Fall". Some sort of trial against religion and mostly about the excesses caused in her name. I fully endorse these thoughts, but the song is difficult to digest (but we are use to such a thing, right)?

"How in God's name did religion fall so far away from God? This is the Fall from God".

"Just A Child" has very strong lyrics; this time about paedophilia. Again the text is much more powerful than the music. It could have been a poem.

I wouldn't say that this album should be your entry one into Peter's repertoire. It is meant for solid Hammill addicts. "Clutch" is a fine album which is mostly concentrated in the strong lyrics and the passionate vocals.

Three stars.

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