Hard rock heavy hitters Clutch and Rival Sons have joined forces, taking Boston under siege as part of the Two-Headed Beast Tour. Stoner rockers Fu Manchu completed the lineup, for a jam packed evening of pure rock & roll.
Kicking things off was California’s Fu Manchu, with an explosive set that got the room riled up immediately. The band’s abrasive sound and energetic stage presence was infectious, getting as close as possible to the many hardcore fans that were seen screaming by the barricade. Despite the short set, Fu Manchu made sure to include a couple of tracks off their most recent release, 2024’s The Return Of Tomorrow, with a fresh and powerful sound.
Up next was Rival Sons, taking the vibe of the show in a slightly different direction. “Mirrors” and “Nobody Wants To Die” got the set started, moving towards a sultrier, yet still rowdy energy. The band’s sound and pacing stood in stark contrast to Fu Manchu’s wild performance, bringing a good balance halfway through the evening. Singer Jay Buchanan would take time to thank the crowd and share quick stories behind some of the songs; from his upbringing in the woods giving shape to “Feral Roots”, to a compelling speech about holding grudges and carrying painful heaviness to introduce “Where I’ve Been”, Buchanan’s outstanding vocals and candid storytelling were a welcome addition. Rival Sons’ sophisticated sound and gripping riffs took center stage, with experimental elements that brought their songs to a different level.
In a way, there was a distinct difference between those who were there for Rival Sons, as opposed to Clutch fans, who seemed a bit more disconnected until the very end of the set, as the headlining group of the evening was about to take the stage. Hailing from Maryland, Clutch ignited the crowd from the beginning, as they kicked off with “Mercury”. The band is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their 2004 album Blast Tyrant, which they performed in its entirety. Singer Neil Fallon’s stage presence is menacing and hectic, as he constantly went back and forth, seemingly taking up every corner of the room. With witty humor and clear gratitude, the band brought a celebratory set to their die hard fans that many won’t forget. “Electric Worry” and “The Face” wrapped up the evening, bringing different forms of rock and roll together alongside Rival Sons for an odd, yet electrifying tour.
Photos and words by Maria Alejandra Mata
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Keep up with Clutch: Website // Instagram // X
