Metal Underground.com

The live album can be a showcase for a band, improving on the energy of studio versions of songs by adding the roar of the crowd and the sheer unpredictability of a live concert experience. Or it can be a trap, exposing all the weaknesses the band uses studio trickery to cover up. There's a bit of both on Clutch's "Full Fathom Five: Audio Field Recordings 2007-2008."

Recorded at several locations in the United States and Australia, the album shows off the band's instrumental proficiency well. I particularly enjoyed the Led Zeppelin-ish stomp of "Cypress Grove," which shows off the band's love of the blues. Guest musicians Eric Oblander on harmonica and Mick Schauer on keyboards make this one a jam to remember, as does the restrained guitar work that seems improvised, but never veers off into shred-ville.

Promoter (of Earthbound Causes) is another showcase for the band's bluesier side, while "The Dragonfly," "Child of the City," and other songs maintain the stoner metal vibe the band's become known for.

The major weakness on this disc is Neil Fallon's vocals, which come off much weaker than the studio versions. "The Dragonfly," which opens the album, is almost jarring, in that Fallon just sounds weird compared to the almost ominous vibe that the studio version gives off.

Then again, as the album goes on, one gets used to the idea that there won't be any attempt to duplicate the double-tracked vocals on the studio versions.

All in all, "Full Fathom Five: Audio Field Recordings 2007-2008" is a competent, if somewhat uninspiring live effort. If you're looking for some stoner-iffic tunes that blend a Grateful Dead vibe with metal grooves, this might be the disc for you.