Words by Nathan Hallam
If I had to boil down everything that Clutter is into two words, it would be unapologetically brash. The Stockholm-based Quartet’s debut LP “Sugar Rush” embodies this sentiment, weaving Grunge and Punk influences into their unique brand of Indie Rock. The result? An album which is just as energetic as it is evocative.
The band consists of vocalist Hilda Ander and co-vocalist Emma French, who are pivotal to the bright and enthusiastic sound of Clutter. The two pair concertedly with guitarist Ove Jerndal and drummer Ville Scott, who lay the foundation for Clutter’s brazen musical style.
“Sugar Rush” feels like a real shout to the world from Clutter as they proudly define their identity and, after listening, I believe they are a group to keep a keen eye on. The album explores the disruptive and chaotic nature of growing up, packaged for the listener in a haze of raw and abrasive punk energy that makes the whole album a treat to listen to. The opening track “GirlVSHeart” lays this thesis out immediately, as the track explodes into driving percussion accompanied by a frenetic guitar melody. Hilda swoops in almost immediately after, with her staccato vocal delivery and expressive style whipping the listener into Clutter’s world in a way that feels like a grand introduction to what Clutter aims to express throughout “Sugar Rush”.
Contrastingly, “Hello Kitty” slows the pace down a little, which creates a more personal and intimate atmosphere as the track explores youthful feelings of uncertainty, longing, and connection. This is strengthened by the change in vocal delivery, with Hilda adopting a more reserved style which complements the instrumental elements effectively. However, Ove still maintains the grittiness of their sound through the texture of his guitar, which goes hand in hand with the percussion as it builds throughout the track. The track highlights Clutter’s ability to draw upon several influences as they construct their own unique sound whilst maintaining artistic cohesion as the album develops.
The band then builds back up the energy, culminating in the eponymous track “C.L.U.T.T.E.R”, whose title already sets up its role as an anthem for the band. The track illustrates the unity and connection that the band feels together, set against the backdrop of a night of partying which stays consistent with the album’s exploration of youth experiences. The marching percussion brings a driving energy to the track that is amplified by the expressive guitar which accompanies it. The vocals are delivered in a more spoken-word style, adding to the raw and authentic sound and strengthening the intimacy of the band’s connection. Overall, the track feels like a culmination of what Clutter has been building throughout “Sugar Rush”, and it leads naturally into the last section of the album as Clutter brings this journey to its denouement.
“I Wish I Could Keep It Together” is a track that moves in a refreshing and interesting direction, and it stands out as one of the most unique songs on the album. The band pairs folk-like instrumentals with harsh synths and guitars that cut through the transient, melancholic atmosphere of the track, giving it an experimental, surreal feel which ties into the themes woven into the writing. The track invokes sensations of numbness and detachment from life, as the band expresses feelings of boredom and hopelessness which feel deeply relatable and emblematic of the band’s portrayal of the experiences of youth that define the album. The uneasiness in the atmosphere feels palpable and conveys the band’s personal feelings and struggles in a way that resonates with the listener long after the track fades into memory.
To conclude, Clutter brings the explosive passion of the album to its resolution with the final track “Unbothered”, a soulful ballad which brings a nice sense of closure to the journey that the band has guided us through. The track is driven primarily by Ove’s skilful guitar playing, with the percussion being stripped back to construct a gentle, slower atmosphere – acting as a beautiful backdrop to the personal and emotive lyricism on display.
Anxiety and confusion are at the centre of what this track depicts, as Clutter illustrates feelings of wanting more and the uncertainty that comes with growing up. It feels like a lovely final expression of the overarching exploration of youth and its complexities which Clutter has pulled us into, and the ethereal vocal delivery serves to reinforce the potency of these ideas.
“Sugar Rush” is a thrilling burst of energy which hooks you into the explosive passion of Clutter and commands you to pay attention, and I, for one, will be keeping my eyes fixed upon their journey.