Clutch - Full Fathom Five: Video Field Recordings 2007-2008

Clutch - Full Fathom Five: Video Field Recordings 2007-2008 is more than just a documentary or concert film, it's an in-depth musical journey into the hard-hitting rock universe of the renowned American band Clutch. Released in 2008, this on-the-road documentary is directed at the band's die-hard fans and connoisseurs of raw, non-commercial rock music.

The aviational terminology in the title “Full Fathom Five” clearly refers to the depth and the vast discography of this Maryland-based rock music powerhouse. The chronological time frame of 2007-2008 illustrates the one-year period during which the video recordings were made, allowing viewers not only to listen to Clutch's music but also experience the full spectrum of their dynamic performances in various venues.

Action-packed scenes, interspersed with off-stage clips, make this a must-watch for rock-music aficionados who want to understand the dynamics of a touring band. From the initial strumming of the guitar strings in the rehearsal space to the final on-stage delivery of their hard-hitting music, the film captures the band members' authentic interactions and their artistic process.

The members of Clutch - Neil Fallon (vocals), Tim Sult (guitar), Dan Maines (bass), and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums) – are at the heart of Full Fathom Five. The spotlight is not merely on their performance as a collective unit but also on their respective talents. Frontman, Neil Fallon, with his rugged and raucous voice, delivers powerful vocals while the dynamism of Sult’s furious guitar riffs, Maines’ sturdy bass lines and Gaster’s stormy drum patterns provide a scintillating foil.

What sets Clutch - Full Fathom Five apart is the director's choice to avoid unnecessary voice-overs or commentary. This decision allows the raw music to tell its own story and carry the narrative of the movie. There are no interviews, no professional critics dissecting Clutch’s music, and very few polished visuals. This choice empowers the band’s music to narrate its own journey and effectively reaffirms the band's motto of letting their music do the talking.

A critical element of Full Fathom Five is the live concert footage. Featuring select performances from their 2007-2008 world tour, including shows in Pittsburgh, Denver and Sydney, these live sequences work as the pulse of the documentary, showcasing the band's invigorating stage presence and energetic performance dynamics. The energy of these performances is beautifully balanced with the serene images of surroundings, sound-checks, as well as the moments of relaxation.

The documentary can be seen as musical time-capsule highlighting the band´s dynamism and musicianship over the year. It perfectly captures the band’s evolution, their stage charisma, and most importantly the raw energy and camaraderie among the band members. As the band moves from city to city, viewers get a sense of the transient nature of tour life and the close-knit camaraderie required to survive it.

The production values are high with excellent visual quality and outstanding sound clarity. The camera work in the concert scenes perfectly illustrates the band's hard-driving, physically high-energy performances, while soft-lit scenes of offstage interactions provide moments of tranquility in contrast to the band's onstage ferocity. Throughout the movie, the director skilfully captures the raw energy of Clutch's music, the special bond among band members, and their eagerness to explore new arenas for their musical expression.

Clutch- Full Fathom Five: Video Recordings 2007-2008 is more than just a concert film or a documentary. It is a celebration of rock music, an intimate homage to the creative potency of Clutch as a band, and an exploration into their unforgettable sonic journey. This in-depth look into one year in the life of the notorious rock-band uniquely highlights their passion for creating music, the realities of tour life, and their unwavering dedication towards their fans. Whether you're a fan of Clutch or a lover of rock music in general, this movie makes for an entertaining and engaging watch.