ALBUM REVIEW: A Better Dystopia – Monster Magnet

For three decades now, the world hasn’t gone more than three years without a new MONSTER MAGNET record. Naturally then, three years since 2018’s Mindfucker, it’s about time we had a new one from the legendary psych rockers. In a first for the band however, their newest offering, A Better Dystopia, is a covers record. While that may have potentially and justifiably prompted a few groans, there’s really no need to worry here. Rather than taking on well-known songs that do little more than draw often disappointing comparisons to their originals, the band have focused on obscure but excellent tracks primarily from the 60s and 70s. The result is an album which feels just as much a MONSTER MAGNET record as any other.

From the outset it’s clear we’re in classic MONSTER MAGNET territory on A Better Dystopia. Opener The Diamond Mine sees frontman Dave Wyndorf reciting a crazed psychedelic monologue over a lone guitar. We may have no idea what he’s on about, but it sets the scene well for the band to kick into a rocking cover of HAWKWIND’s Born To Go. With driving riffs and bluesy guitar soloing, this does exactly what you’d expect in MONSTER MAGNET‘s hands. It makes for quite a start to proceedings – the perfect soundtrack to a roaring motorbike ride through a scorching desert.

Indeed, MONSTER MAGNET never seem too far out of their comfort zone on A Better Dystopia. Each track boasts so much of what we’ve already come to expect from the band – big hard rock riffs, lengthy psychedelic jams and tripped-out lyrics. As has been the case on every release since the band’s debut, at the centre of proceedings sits the inimitable Wyndorf. The frontman is on top form here. Whether he’s speaking, singing, shouting or howling, he imbues the record’s every track with a real sense of personality and identity. He even shines on songs with less to write home about musically, like the band’s takes on J.D. BLACKFOOT’s Epitaph For A Head and THE SCIENTISTS’ Solid Gold Hell. All this only becomes more impressive when you realise Wyndorf is 64 years old – an age he definitely doesn’t sound here.

As well as a great opening one-two, the album features a particularly strong middle run. Fifth track Be Forewarned, originally by PENTAGRAM, sees the band take a turn for the menacing. After a quiet intro, it gains a real sense of urgency with a growling Wyndorf on listeners’ tails. Next, Mr. Destroyer (POOBAH) and When The Wolf Sits (JERUSALEM) provide two back-to-back slices of vintage psych rock. Surely one of the best of all however is the album’s eighth track Death, originally by THE PRETTY THINGS. This one’s mellower, with tribal drums, fuzzed-out guitars and the odd sitar part making for pure psychedelic gold.

The band pick up the energy again after that with Situation (JOSEFUS) and It’s Trash (CAVEMEN). These are two short little rockers which each just top the two minute mark. They pair nicely with the cover of TABLE SCRAPS’ Motorcycle (Straight To Hell) which follows. This one’s a particularly primal track, with a simple driving drum beat and repetitive fuzz heavy bassline. These elements and a few guitars provide a backdrop for Wyndorf to shine once again, this time channelling his inner IGGY POP with snarling aplomb.

To be honest, the band might’ve done well to end things there. The tracks which follow to round out the album are still solid, but things may be getting a touch samey. Then again, the place Wyndorf and co. take their listeners to on A Better Dystopia is a good one, so few are likely to mind staying there a little longer. Twelfth track Learning To Die (DUST) is another riff-heavy hard rock offering, and the longest song on the record. After that, Welcome To The Void (MORGEN) brings things to a triumphant close with a piece that wouldn’t sound too out of place on the band’s 1998 classic Powertrip.

Overall, A Better Dystopia is definitely a success for MONSTER MAGNET. By providing a collection of solid takes on well-written tracks, it does what every good covers album should do, and what so few manage. Rather than comparing notes on the originals, listeners are free to enjoy the versions on offer for what they are. Not only does this enable the band to pull off the rare feat of making a good covers record, but it ensures that A Better Dystopia makes a welcome addition to an already impressive back catalogue.

Rating: 8/10

A Better Dystopia is set for release on May 21st via Napalm Records.

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