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We didn’t hear from them for ten years but suddenly there was a new album ‘Pajama Day’ and new gigs: Claw Boys Claw is back! Peter te Bos, the lead singer of the band, is well into his 50s so what could we expect? A vague shadow of what they used to be? A dutch version of Mick Jagger in tights and his Stones?

Claw Boys Claw at Paradiso Amsterdam, 28 March

The new album surely is good so that was promising. And they have the reputation of being one of the Netherlands’ best live bands. I remember them blowing you off your feet with their energetic live sets. And now they’re back. Peter te Bos isn’t a young rock god anymore. What can you expect he turned 57 in December! He looks a bit more bulky and he seems to move a bit more clumsy.

But then they start playing and it seems they’ve never been away. They still play these great laid back grooves that are sometimes referred to as “swamp rock”. Peter sure sings like a young rock god. Although his voice isn’t always clear (who cares) it still has enough power and depth to carry the songs. The old and new songs blend in perfectly and the other band members sound great as well. And Peter still knows how to entertain a crowd. Still full of charisma he shouts, whispers, growls and plays the stage and the crowd. At one point he even jumps off stage to join us on the floor while he continues singing.

There are a lot of (young) rock bands that should see this band perform. This is how to put up a good rock show: 3 good musicians, good songs, a lot of energy and a lead singer that knows how to please. Claw Boys Claw is back to claim their throne for best dutch live band and it’s well earned. Class dismissed.