ArtsEtc.

‘Diablo’ focuses on rocker’s near death

Also by Steve Lampiris:
Sharing Tools:

E-mail this article:




Share on:

by Steve Lampiris
Thursday, November 8, 2007 23:42

One would think after Dave Wyndorf — lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of Monster Magnet — almost died of a drug overdose, he might consider scaling back from playing a genre of music called stoner rock. But, no, Dave just keeps on (space) truckin' with his highway star. After a three-year lapse since their last record, Monolithic Baby!, Monster Magnet releases 4-Way Diablo, an album that is easily among their best work to date and arguably their best album post-Powertrip.

4-Way continues the course set by Monolithic, one which takes the best of their "old" sound, true stoner rock, and the best of their "new" sound — half stoner rock, half cock rock. The main progression here is the overall lack of anthems; the elements are still there, to be sure, but don't count on very many catchy-as-hell choruses like past singles "Powertrip" and "Heads Explode." Instead, most songs here recall the old, slow burning sound for which Monster Magnet is known. The difference is that the slow burn of Superjudge has been streamlined, as there are no seven- or eight-minute freak-outs here. In other words, the songs are memorable, but they take a few listens to completely grasp all the hidden melodies and guitar lines.

In all likeliness, long-time fans will cry foul and accuse the band of having sacrificed its stoner-friendly sound for a more rock star approach. This isn't so. Songs like "A Thousand Stars" and "2000 Light Years from Home" — a Rolling Stones cover — prove Monster Magnet still has the ability to create the perfect soundtrack to get high to.

If there is a downside to recent Magnet releases, it's easily the production. Stoner rock/metal is generally known for having a "thick" sound (see Kyuss's Blues for the Red Sun) with detuned guitars and bass up front in the mix. The last two Magnet records, however, suffer from modern rock production: lots of guitar and drums which dominate the bass. Sure, it sounds good, but it just doesn't have that wall-of-sound punch that bands like Fu Manchu have held onto.

Lyrically, Dave has never strayed very far from what he knows best: sex. Quite a few of his songs either discuss sex, the potential of sex or its aftereffects. In 4-Way, however, Dave discusses his recent overdose on the title track (most likely, anyway). Sure, there are sex related tracks here like "Wall of Fire," but that topic seemed to be linked to drug use. In fact, the whole album could read as Dave's coping with near death. Lines like "Jump in the reactor and melt/ So far away" from "No Vacation" and "You got troubles/ Yes it's true/ And they all begin with you" from "Little Bag of Gloom" conjure an image of Dave looking at himself in the mirror and realizing what a mistake he made.

It is unlikely that this record will produce a radio hit anywhere nearly as successful as "Space Lord" was back in 1998. Still, don't hold that against Monster Magnet, because they have made another great record that is just a joy to listen to. 4-Way Diablo may not be gold according to the RIAA, but it certainly will be to Magnet fans.


Feedback
Anonymous (November 14, 2007 @ 1:37pm):

great band!

Add a comment

We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.

Login...



   Remember me


Not registered? Sign up now.

It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.

...or Post Your Comment Anonymously

Anonymous

Place a shout-out!
Top Classified Ads (view all)

Place your classified ad online and have it show up here. Your ad will hit thousands of viewers a day!

DON'T READ ME! Too late. If you're reading this, guess how many other people are reading it. See... advertising in The Badger Herald does work!

Place a classified ad

Advertising