|
|
|
|
Back from the dead yet again, Dave Wyndorf and Monster Magnet have stoked the fires of a narcotic bonfire to produce 4-Way Diablo, though the band is purportedly now free of substance assistance. Regardless of that, Monster Magnet retread familiar ground here in 2007, invoking the breakthrough (for them, anyway) Dopes to Infinity and crowd favorite Powertrip. Though there is no "Space Lord" here, solid rockin' riffs are the order of the day, still thanks to Ed Mundell.
Lotsa "yeah, yeah, yeah" lyrics and other familiar themes and refrains--particularly space, fire, sex, drugs, and death--abound and Wyndorf's famous trademark howl still works, though nothing essential is unfurled at this late date in the band's career. The live setting is quite likely a different matter, but on wax the latest from Monster Magnet is nothing more than a solid album. Some of the "stoner" and a lot of the more metallic vibes have given way to a "Stooges" type of sound, which is actually okay.
Stand out songs include "Wall of Fire," "Cyclone," and (once you get past the beginning) "Blow Your Mind." The cover of Mick Jagger's crew is even fun, if not disposable. Stand out in a bad way: "You're Alive." Izzat INXS being recalled? And in case one cares what Wyndorf thinks of his own product, he describes it as "a little thrashy psycho garage sound." That almost works, though it would seem the formerly psycho-delic sound has been rendered only a tad psychedelic now. At least check out the instrumental. Nothing new, no, but nothing that bad either. Fans of Monster Magnet should find a lot to like here.
| Tracklist |
| 1. 4-Way Diablo |
| 2. Wall of Fire |
| 3. You're Alive |
| 4. Blow Your Mind |
| 5. Cyclone |
| 6. 2000 Lightyears From Home [Rolling Stones cover] |
| 7. No Vacation |
| 8. I'm Calling You |
| 9. Solid Gold |
| 10. Freeze and Pixelate [instrumental] |
| 11. A Thousand Stars |
| 12. Slap In the Face |
| 13. Little Bag of Gloom |
: 57:56
| Buy other Monster Magnet albums |
