Clutch Rocks the Rave: A Night of Raucous Riffs and Grunge Vibes

CLUTCH

Thursday night (August 14th 2025), at The Rave in Milwaukee set the stage for a sick rock event. The venue was filled, the crowd was electric, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement as Clutch, one of the pioneers of stoner rock, headlined the show. With two incredible openers, Inspector Cluzo and Blacktop Mojo, the night was a fun blend of gritty blues-rock, southern sounds, and heavy music.

Inspector Cluzo: A French Rock Powerhouse

The evening kicked off with Inspector Cluzo, a French blues-rock duo that immediately made their presence known. It’s hard to believe that only two musicians were responsible for such a full-bodied sound. Guitarist and vocalist Laurent "Malcolm" Lacrouts and drummer Mathieu "Phil" Jourdain put on an energetic display that could rival bands with much larger lineups.

The crowd may not have been familiar with their music, but it didn’t take long for them to get swept up in the duo’s infectious energy. Inspector Cluzo brought a refreshing vigor to the stage that felt like a welcome throwback to a simpler time in rock ‘n’ roll.

INSPECTOR CLUZO

Blacktop Mojo: Southern Charm with a Hard Edge

Next up was Blacktop Mojo, a band that brought the southern rock heat to the stage. Orginaging from Texas, they immediately took control of the crowd with their mix of hard-driving guitar riffs and bluesy, soulful vocals. Frontman Matt James’s commanding voice took center stage as they fired off hits like “Where the Wind Blows” and “Prodigal.” James’s voice, a powerful, gravelly instrument capable of both gritty intensity and tender vulnerability, made every song feel personal. It’s no surprise that Blacktop Mojo is steadily building a reputation as one of the brightest up-and-coming acts in the southern rock scene. Their live show is where the magic happens, and they’re a band worth keeping an eye on in the coming years.

BLACKTOP MOJO

Clutch: A Masterclass in Live Performance

And then came Clutch, the band that everyone had been waiting for. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy in the room exploded, and there was no turning back. Opening with, “Mercury,” Clutch immediately reaffirmed why they’re still one of the most revered bands in stoner rock. Neil Fallon’s stage presence is magnetic, part preacher, part rock ‘n’ roll icon, and his dynamic vocal delivery was the driving force throughout the entire set.

The band’s performance was a masterclass in live rock ‘n’ roll, blending blues, stoner rock, and hard-funk grooves with ease. Highlights included fan favorites like “The Mob Goes Wild,” “Willie Nelson,” and “Imperator,” which were met with cheers from the crowd. But what truly set this performance apart was the way Clutch seamlessly blended tight, precision-driven songwriting with a sense of improvisation, making each song feel like a fresh experience. Tim Sult’s blistering guitar work was a highlight, while Jean-Paul Gaster (drums) and Dan Maines (bass) laid down the thick grooves that define the band's sound.

CLUTCH

The Verdict:

Overall, the night was an incredible journey through rock, blues, and southern swagger. Inspector Cluzo laid the groundwork with their raw, bluesy energy, and Blacktop Mojo elevated the vibe with their southern rock soul and intensity. But it was Clutch who left the crowd absolutely electrified. If you haven’t seen Clutch live, do yourself a favor and make it happen. And don’t sleep on Blacktop Mojo while you’re there.