MONSTER MAGNET 4 Way Diabolo

Artist: MONSTER MAGNET
Title: 4 Way Diabolo
Year of Release: 2007
Label: SPV
Format: CD

Having been a fan of Monster Magnet since the release of their immortal debut album 'Spine Of God' it's generally with a aura of trepidation that I approach any new offering from the Jersey quartet. I recall seeing them on their first Australian tour around 1995, and I was expecting these greasy haired, disheveled looking stoner types grace the stage, and perform for two hours staring mostly at the floor, or into outer space. This wasn't the case! Singer/Guitarist Dave Wyndorf had transformed from the aforementioned archetypal Hawkwind devotee, to this 'leather clad' rock 'n' roller. He'd departed from Planet Caravan and boarded the Hellion! And that show, while enjoyable, left me confused and somewhat disappointed.

In time, I did get over this and have anticipated each new MM offering with an optimistic air. I was curious how they would pull this one off, especially after Wyndorf's hospitalization. I'm pleased to say that '4 Way Diabolo' is a fine album.

In a way, it's more of the same from MM. All the usual standards that have long become benchmarks of their sound are present, though like each album the band release, it still remains vital and to a fan of my calibre, interesting well beyond initial listens. Familiar leads, cosmic sound effects and the general swing and flow of this offering stay well within the parameters of what fans have come to anticipate.

Every MM album (even 'God Says No') has it's stand out tracks, and one of these can be located in the opening, self titled cut. Another has to be track 4, the spectacular 'Blow Your Mind'. A band well versed in cover songs, a Rolling Stones tune was nominated for this release and personally, I wished they'd left it off. Thankfully it wasn't 'Paint It Black' or 'Sympathy For The Devil' (which is possible, Wyndorf loves Laibach!) but it still pollutes the album unnecessarily. Perfectly executed, just weaker than their own material.

If you've ever found merit in Monster Magnet, this album is definitely a worthwhile addition to their repertoire. A sound and solid offering that I expect to listen to for years to come.

One of the best clips ever: Monster Magnet's 'Spacelord'.