ALBUM REVIEW: Mindfucker – Monster Magnet

Trends may have come and gone over the last two and a half decades since MONSTER MAGNET released their classic debut Spine Of God, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the stoner rock icons dedication to honest, no nonsense rock and roll. Nowhere is that more apparent than here in their eleventh record Mindfucker where they bring all their usual tools and offer up another 50 minutes of no nonsense rock.

As expected, its all driving riffs and that twist of psychedelic that the band have used to such great effect throughout their long career, the first three songs Rocket Freak, Soul, and the title track all feature that signature sound and move the album along well. Its classic MONSTER MAGNET, being big, bold and lots of fun. On this showing its hard to believe that frontman Dave Wyndorf is 61 years old and been doing this for nearly 30 years, but some of these songs take you right back to the bands classic 90’s sound.

Drowning is slower paced track, a blues infused track that at over seven minutes is the longest and one of the standout tracks on the album. It seems only right then to follow that up with the punky three minute Ejection, which in all honesty should really be much more energetic, it just seems toned down a little. This is also true of Brainwashed, which just lacks a little of the boisterousness of old MONSTER MAGNET. The punk influence is a welcome inclusion, with its STOOGES feel, but they could have really gone for it. The album finishes on a high point though, with the big riffs of When The Hammer Comes Down and brings it all to a decent close and wraps the record up well.

As a collection of songs, it may not to live up to the likes of Powertrip or Dopes To Infinity, but in all honesty, any band would would struggle to repeat such a feat, but there are ten decent tracks here, which adds up to a pretty decent album from MONSTER MAGNET. An album which will no doubt be background noise in a lot of parties in hazy rooms for the next few months. One thing for sure though, is that whichever of these songs they choose to play live, will be worthy additions to the set, it just misses something on record though. Not their best, but still a damn good album.

Rating: 7/10

Mindfucker is out now via Napalm Records.

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