Monster Magnet are a band that are far more ‘rock’ than probably 99% of my music collection, they are not typically the type of band that appeals to me. However, something about them has always resonated with me and I do indeed own a selection of their albums, dipping in and out of their career. It is perhaps the stoner groove and psychedelic edge that lift Monster Magnet up and on to my radar. This is the first time I have had the chance to see the monster uncaged though, and I am eager for the experience.

However, there is the support act to consider. For the Birmingham date we have The Dust Coda. Part Australian and part British at their core, they ply a trade based on a soul soaked brand of bluesy rock that is some considerable distance from the sonic airwaves I typically cruise. That said, my foot was undeniably tapping and my head was definitely nodding throughout their set. This, I suspect, is largely down to their earnest and impassioned delivery. These guys definitely feel their own vibe, and the weighty yet clean mix really allowed their material to breath. I short tribute to the recently departed Chris Cornell enamored the band to the audience further. If you are a fan of heartfelt no bullshit blues tinged hard rock then I suggest you keep an eye out for their debut album which is set to drop in Autumn 2017.

So onto the polarised ferrous beast otherwise known as Monster Magnet. Plying their trade since the late 1980s, the band have been consistent in their delivery of quality grooves and have cemented a solid identity. From the instant they stroll on to the stage they look almost completely at ease, relaxed, as if what they are about to do is instinctive, second nature. And perhaps it is, as the heavy grooves are propelled from the stage without hesitation and with great gusto, you could not imagine Monster Magnet looking or sounding any different than they do tonight. They simply are what they are. Such an observation might lead you to think that this might allow a band to become lazy or formulaic but this doesn’t appear to be the case. It’s a strong set too, plundering their hefty (in more ways than one) back catalogue starting with ‘Dopes to Infinity’ and ending with ‘Spacelord’ with set highlights ‘Powertripping’, ‘Medicine’, ‘Look to Your Orb for the Warning’, ‘Spine of God’ (with lovely added walls of feedback) and ‘Negasonic Teenage Warhead’. New cut ‘Mindfucker’ was not too shabby either. Time flew along with much sweat, a sure sign of a great gig. The lasting impression in my mind is that Monster Magnet know exactly what they are doing and how to do it. They came, they rocked in their own style, I await their return.

Review and pictures by

John E Smoke for Midlands Metalheads.