CMJ

Delta Clutch

(Rye)

Rye A Delta Clutch demo was a CMJ Futures pick almost two years ago, and we're pleased to see that the band's not only still together, but that it's delivered on its promise enough to create this thoroughly enjoyable, emotive and well-written seven-song album. As before, lonely country-tinged tunes full of vivid imagery and woeful slide guitar are the order of the day, with keen instrumentation (the use of Hammond and Wurlitzer organ is particularly notable) filtered through a classy production job that belies the sub-indie level on which this debut album is released. Not only is the band a delight instrumentally, but the heartbroken, disconsolate voice of lead vocalist Pip is a true centerpiece on most of these songs. He croons out intricate yarns, like the opening phrase to A Ditch - "In a hole with her worldly vices, dig down low into deathly despair, tradin' blows 'tween women and whiskey, cold wind blowin' through her hair" - with a crestfallen despair that tugs at the heartstrings. And in "Burnt," when the music cuts short and the band harmonizes in five parts for a few tenuous lines, the rootsy, workman-like glory of what Delta Clutch can do really shines through. Also recommended is the catchy, intense "Melt Away," and the misfit of the pack, the closing "Si," with its unlikely tape looping and echoing voices.
- Cheryl Botchick: CMJ New Music Report Issue: 479 - Jun 17, 1996