Album Review: Em Directo by Clockwork Boys – Raw, Real, and Unapologetically Rock
Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re looking for polished perfection or some overproduced nonsense, this ain’t it. The Clockwork Boys’ Em Directo is raw rock 'n' roll with a Portuguese twist, dripping in attitude and grit. Released back in 2013 under Dog City Records and Raw 'N' Roll Rex, this album feels like a punch to the gut—in the best way possible. It’s messy, loud, and unfiltered, just how rock should be.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that stuck with me because they hit hard. First up, “Hooligans Na Noite.” Man, this song is like a wild night out bottled into three minutes of pure chaos. The energy? Through the roof. You can almost smell the sweat, hear the clinking bottles, and feel the adrenaline rush as the guitars scream alongside lyrics that sound like an anthem for anyone who’s ever lived on the edge. It’s not perfect—it doesn’t need to be. That’s what makes it unforgettable. This track reminds you why rock was born: rebellion, freedom, and a middle finger to whatever tries to hold you down.
Then there’s “Maradona,” which hits different. Diego Maradona, the football legend, gets his own tribute here, but it’s more than just sports worship. There’s something poetic about how the band captures his larger-than-life persona—flawed, unstoppable, mythical. When the chorus kicks in, it’s impossible not to shout along, even if your Portuguese is shaky at best (like mine). It’s catchy as hell, but it also has this bittersweet undertone, like celebrating greatness while knowing nothing lasts forever. By the end, you’re left feeling both pumped and kinda reflective. Weird combo, right?
The rest of the album keeps the vibe alive—tracks like “Fernando Xalana” and “Rebeldes Tatuados” keep things rowdy, while slower moments like “A Dor Passa, O Ódio Fica” let you catch your breath before diving back into the madness. Each song feels like a story from the streets, told without filters or apologies.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to Em Directo isn’t just about enjoying music; it’s about connecting with something primal. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they were too busy kicking it down the hill and watching it crash. And honestly? That’s refreshing in a world where so much music feels calculated and safe.
So yeah, give this album a spin if you want rock that bites back. Just don’t expect it to play nice. Oh, and fun fact—I listened to “Hooligans Na Noite” five times in a row while writing this, and now my neighbors probably think I’m starting a riot. Worth it.
