Italy strikes again!
Four weeks ago, we covered the Doom-driven escapades of Italy’s Warcoe (check out our review of A Place for Demons).
And now we’re once again headed back to Italy to discuss The Clamps, a band that churns together elements of Punk Rock, Alt Rock, and Stoner Rock into a high-octane brew of self-described “Speed-Stoner Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
We normally compare Stoner Rock to that classic image of cruising through the desert or launching over the dunes—but that’s not quite the case here.
Megamouth, the latest album from The Clamps, will press you back into your seat like a tricked-out dragster, launching you down the track at white-knuckle speeds.
About The Clamps
The Clamps is a trio formed in Bergamo, Italy, back in 2012. Its members are (not surprisingly) former members of local Punk, Metal, and Alt Rock bands. They are:
- Ben: Guitar and Vocals
- Bely: Bass
- Marcy: Drums
Megamouth was released on Heavy Psych Sounds.
Megamouth Album Review
Tracks: 10
Length: 35:08
Release Date: January 12, 2024
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds
Track 1: Megamouth
This full instrumental opener is dirty. With grimy fuzz and a wicked guitar riff, “Megamouth” is an explosive rocker that’ll call to mind bands like Karma to Burn and Cowboys & Aliens. And while those churning, relentless guitars are the absolute stars of the show, Marcy’s drums are the real heroes on this blistering track.
Track 2: Forty-Nine
After hearing a tinge of Karma to Burn in “Megamouth,” I initially thought “Forty-Nine” was going to be a KtB cover.
It’s not. Instead, “Forty-Nine” is our first glimpse of The Clamps’ deep Punk Rock roots, which they carefully blend with a love for Stoner Rock and, I assume, dancing with a foaming beer held high above your head.
Track 3: Freedom to Run (Down)
There’s plenty to love on “Freedom to Run (Down).” And while it’s easy to celebrate Ben’s vocals and guitars, it’s the rhythm section that keeps this track turned up to 11.
That’s a common theme on Megamouth: With their fiery Punk energy, Bely and Marcy provide a high-octane boost to each song.
Track 4: Bill Jenkins
This song should come with a Parental Advisory—and not for the reason you think. Inspired by the legendary and innovative drag racer, “Bill Jenkins” moves as quickly as its namesake.
I made the mistake (or great decision, depending on your perspective) of listening to this album while driving on the highway. Mid-song, I looked down and realized I was driving much, much too fast—simply because “Bill Jenkins” was blasting away as loud, heavy, and fast as Motörhead.
Wear your seatbelt, kids.
Track 5: Blood
That intricate intro guitar riff sounds a great deal like Fu Manchu—an apt comparison that comes back around during the chorus.
Track 6: Cubomedusa
“Cubomedusa” is another instrumental track that pulls its name from the deadly box jellyfish. Like the box jellyfish, “Cubomedusa” is killer, riding along an aggressive riff punctuated by tireless drums.
Track 7: Roll Back the Years
If there’s one song on this album that embodies the “Speed-Stoner Rock ‘n’ Roll” moniker, it might be “Roll Back the Years.” Everything about this song is fast.
Track 8: Raze the Land
Despite the horrors of the song’s name, “Raze the Land” is actually quite fun. In fact, you might hear a bit of Pantera in this one—imagine Dimebag Darrell riffing and Phil Anselmo growling along.
Track 9: Bombs
“Bombs” is the best song on the album. Period.
With a run time of 4:34, “Bombs” is the longest song on the album, and the band uses that extra time to fully develop this song from quiet intro to booming verse to catchy chorus.
And let’s be clear: “Bombs” is catchy. With a killer riff worthy of ZZ Top pushing the song forward, you’ll also find some impressive bass lines and a wicked guitar solo.
Track 10: Slippin’ Away
I might be alone in this, but I actually hear a bit of vintage Clutch in “Slippin’ Away”—imagine Neil Fallon’s vocals in there and let me know what you think.
Final Thoughts On The Clamps’ Megamouth
Standout Tracks: “Bombs” and “Megamouth”
Final Score: 9/10
Pros: Megamouth is the most fun I’ve had on a review since Auralayer’s Thousand Petals. Fast and unpredictable, The Clamps show they can party just as hard as they rock—and standout tracks like “Megamouth” and “Bombs” demonstrate some serious songwriting chops.
Cons: Megamouth isn’t for every Stoner Rock fan. Your appreciation for Megamouth really comes down which direction you prefer to step out of the Stoner Rock template. If you love bands like Fu Manchu, terrific. But if you prefer the Electric Wizard side of the Stoner scene, this might not be the album for you.
Learn More About The Clamps
To learn more about The Clamps, follow them on Bandcamp, Facebook, or Instagram.