One step further

The normal and weird Delta Clutch

by Bob Gulla

Delta Clutch

It starts with a hum, then a chime, then a melodic vocal line. The drums kick in, a string section, then a fantastic chord progression. What is it? It's a Delta Clutch song called "One Step Further," one of the simplest, most sublime pop songs out of Providence in a year. Then again, a song like this shouldn't come as a surprise to those who have followed the band throughout their nearly decade-long career. These days the band is celebrating the release of that song and the seven-song EP which houses it, all of which recalls the skilled song sculptures of revered artists like Westerberg, Squeeze, and Big Star. It's called Too Normal, Too Weird.

"For us, there's a genuine love of what we do," says Everett. "We like how we work together, we like the songs, and I think that really shows when you hear us."

No kidding. Everett (vox), Chris Cugini (guitar), Nate Leavitt (guitar), Phil Aiken (keys), and Paul Myers (drums), (they often switch instruments onstage), are a seasoned, supremely talented, utterly dedicated bunch who have no doubt enjoyed the peaks and valleys of a steadily on-the-rise band. Since coming together back in the early '90s, they've issued a handful of recorded projects, all graced with impeccable taste, unqualified musicianship, and stunning melodies. It hasn't gotten them the recognition they deserve -- who gets that, anyway? -- but it has provided them with some memorable moments along the way.

"I think backing up Ronnie Spector at the Middle East a few months ago was unbelievable," Everett says, listing a few high points. "She was so entertaining, everyone was euphoric, and the mood helped us play one of our best gigs." Everett also recalls with fondness playing with one of his heroes: Alex Chilton. "He'd been something of an acquaintance for a while, but it was a thrill to finally play the same stage with him."

Of course, for Delta Clutch, a band with modest expectations, families, time-consuming day jobs, and tons of experience trying to crack the Big Egg, the very act of putting a record out qualifies as a "high point." "I always think of any recording we've ever done as the best time for me."

Surely, Too Normal, Too Weird rates as one of those times, if not just because it's another Delta Clutch disc, because it's an immensely listenable, totally out-of-fashion pop record centered around Everett's unparalleled singing, understated guitar playing, and a bed of rosy rhythm. Recorded with Tim O'Heir at Sound Station 7 in Providence and at Cugini's Appleman Studio north of Boston, the record reflects the band's imminent maturity as recording artists and musicians. Songs like "Ladderback" and "Din of Love," with their subtleties and lush pop textures, stand out for two reasons: They're large, lovely chestnuts for one, and because Delta Clutch worships at the altar of organic, melodic pop. And we all know how out-of-favor that is.

"Working within this band," Everett explains, "has always been gratifying because our body of work speaks for itself. We can come away with our songs. That honesty speaks for us." It's not like Delta Clutch is a bunch newbies emerging in the new millennium with an old-school sensibility. They all come from an '80s indie-rock scene that combined grit with grace (Replacements), power with poignancy (Hüsker Dü) and . . . well, you get the picture. Everett himself played with Providence's revered Coat of Arms and Plan 9; keyboardist Aikens spends some time with Buffalo Tom and Boston's Bathing Beauties; Cugini first made waves with Chick Graning in Anastasia Screamed. Together, the band exudes experience and chops, enough so that they remain as a unit despite the rigors of holding full-time jobs. Everett, who lives, works, and matriculates in Providence (with two young kids to boot), buses up to Stoneham two or three times a week for practice and has been doing so for years now. That's commitment. That's integrity. That's rock-solid dedication.

"In ways it's been disappointing, sure," admits Everett. "We sink a lot of money into what we do. In terms of making it worth our while financially it hasn't been working. To me, that's the ultimate success: being able to do this full-time while making enough money to live. If some notoriety and fame happened in tandem with that, fine. But if the band could feed itself, reach more people, that's what we're shooting for. We're all first and foremost musicians. We're old enough to come to terms with that. Bringing home the bacon on the side is something we have to do. If we could do that within the band, that would be ideal."

Over the next six months or so, the band will be reaching out for that ideal opportunities, attempting to capitalize on the terrific achievement that is Too Normal, Too Weird. "We try to stay as organized as we can and set goals and stick to them," says Everett. "We never do, but it's nice to try!"

Delta Clutch will be at the Green Room in Providence on February 24.

WANDERING EYE. As I write this, Stone Soup raja Richard Walton is headed to Iraq with a convoy of kindly souls. Their mission? To escort medicine and medical supplies to that embattled nation. If everyone had a heart the size of his the world would be a much better place. In his absence, the loyally followed Windharp and the Fourth Street String Band will be play Stone Soup, making happy music just perfect for the mid-winter doldrums. Show time's at 8 p.m. over at Slater Mill. Follow the signs when you get to Pawtucket and you're there. You can practically see it off the highway.

Blueblood's busy this weekend. Tonight (Thursday, 11) they'll be rockin' from 7 to 11 at the new OverFlo's in Middletown, and on Friday, they'll be at the always-fun Narragansett Café in Jamestown. Set time's from 9:30 to 1 a.m. and there's no cover. In between marathon sets, the band will be finishing up their new CD, Only Time Will Tell. Stay tuned.

Jonathan Stark will be doing his thing at AS220 tonight, while the similarly named Jimmy Jack Stark gets a high-proflie local gig over at the Met Cafe opening for Frank Black and the Catholics. That one's on Friday night.