What an experience watching this DVD...where do I start?
For the two or three of you who don't know, Clatter (
www.clatter.com) is a two-piece band based out of rural Missouri that plays a very unique brand of rock music. There is no 'frontman' per se; both musicians speak with equal voices.
Clatter features Amy Humphrey on bass/vocals/amp management, and Joe Hayes on drums/percussion/electronics. With Joe's mesmerizing, kinetic style of drumming and Amy painting a lush, heavy, and sometimes funky soundscape with her pallette of bass sounds and strong vocals. Clatter really doesn't sound like anything you've ever heard before, but imagine Rush musicianship, a dash of Faith No More, and excellent melodic/rhythmic instincts blended with strong musical sensibility.
On to the DVD!
This was filmed live at Thespian Hall in Boonville, Missouri. It's a beautiful old hall that has been lovingly restored and maintained by the community, and features intimate seating and balconies to view the event.
One of the first things that struck me was the high quality of the video, lighting, and sound. Everything is absolutely spot-on and made my viewing and listening enjoyment exciting and interesting.
The video quality is superb. I don't have an HD set currently, but I could not detect any noise or video artifacts in the picture. The blacks and dark colors were solid, and the brighter colors were clear and vibrant. The quality is so good as to immersive, and make you feel you are really at the event.
The lighting was very well done. It really helped to set the mood, and I could always see what Joe and Amy were doing every note of the way. There is also a big video screen behind them, running imagery and camera shots to further enhance the music.
Sound-wise, I couldn't have asked for more! I could hear every note and every stroke. Amy's voice came through very clearly and I could understand all the words, I could hear all of Joe's subtle (and not so subtle!) stickwork, and Amy's bass projects with all the power of an enraged animal, to enveloped funk and mwah, and the beautiful signature Rickenbacker clank and growl (and sometimes all at once!).
The performance was outstanding, and I really marvel at how just two people were able to put on such a spectacular show with so much energy and charisma (and one was sitting down the whole time!). I simply couldn't take my eyes off the screen for fear of missing Amy or Joe pulling off another unique riff. Each song of the eleven-song set was played with both great love and gusto. I loved how Amy would dig deep on her bass and both her and Joe played like they were having the time of their lives, and every note of every song was a cherished event. It's absolutely infectious that way.
If there is any fault in Amy and Joe's playing, I sure can't find it. Amy plays amazing basslines thru the entire show, going effortlessly from complex lines to chords to occasional slap styles, all the while singing gutsy vocals and using her feet to manipulate her myriad of effect pedals and amp switchers. She never looks distracted or looks like she has to work for it...she makes it all look damn easy and makes me want to go buy a Rickenbacker....AGAIN!
Joe's drumming just floored me. Like Amy, he's doing a million things at once with no apparent effort, and all the fun and zeal in the world. He trots out a veritable drumming clinic over the course of the show, but does it with taste and makes every song interesting and unique. His brief but propulsive drum solo is amazing, and simply must be seen.
The DVD is wrapped up with some really nice bonus features, including a 30 minute documentary/interview with Amy and Joe on everything Clatter (bios, equipment, songwriting styles, and more), a shorter doc about their Missouri farm, and more.
This may have sounded like one long advertisement for Blinded In Boonville, but you know what? It's just that good. In the stale musical climate of prepackaged rock, Clatter is an exhilirating breath of fresh air, so all of the accolades are earned; not borrowed or bought. Buy it, you will not regret it.
And then run out and get yourself a Rickenbacker, too!
-Daniel E Simes
Memphis, TN
