MONSTER MAGNET are back after a three year hiatus from song writing with their latest album '4-Way Diablo'. Their last release 'Monolithic Baby!' was below par and crossed the thin line between psychedelic groove and something to put you to sleep. On another note, kudos to whoever thought up the cover art, as it’s an original and inspired design.

Ten years have passed since the run away success of 'Space Lord' from the 'Powertrip' album and you could not be blamed from thinking this is a band on the way out. Thankfully there are still signs of life and '4-Way Diablo' is the proof of it. The album kicks off with the title track '4-Way Diablo' which draws you straight in with a catchy guitar riff courtesy of Ed Mundell, an upbeat chorus and a sweet little guitar solo towards the end. The next track 'Wall Of Fire' keeps the momentum going well as does 'You’re Alive', although you do have to get past wondering what the hell Dave Wyndorf (guitars/vocals) is on about (I guess what’s stoner rock for you) and an irritating chorus that grates after awhile. Yet this track is still annoyingly likable.

Before you are left thinking where has the stoner rock gone? We get a taste of some old school MONSTER MAGNET with tracks like 'Blow Your Mind' and 'Cyclone' which have a spaced out feel to them. The band has made the cover of the ROLLING STONES song '2000 Light Years From Home' their own giving the track a moody edge whilst the reverb Wyndorf uses gives the track a very mellow feel. Is this a return to the 'Dopes To Infinity' days? Well, maybe not quite but not a bad stab at it.

Unfortunately from here on the album does start to waiver with only a small reprieve in the form of the ninth track 'Solid Gold'. 'Freeze and Pixelate' is note worthy, an unexpected instrumental which upon first listen the superb build-up makes you believe it’s the intro to a song that never materialises. To a stoner this track would be the musical equivalent of a lava lamp, ultimately though this track is little more than filler. Finally, the album tails off completely ending with the unremarkable 'Little Bag Of Gloom'.

'4-Way Diablo' doesn’t contain an overtly commercial single which should get a small nod of approval from old fans. The album starts well and for the most part delivers with only a few weaker tracks, overall MONSTER MAGNET have created a solid album.

Rating: 3.5/5

Alexander Shaw

Release Date: 5th November 2007

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