Tab cover

Tab

Monster Magnet · 1991

55 min · 5 tracks · hard rock

A sprawling blend of heavy riffs and psychedelic soundscapes, merging stoner rock with hard-hitting rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tab… — This nearly half-hour opener sets the tone for the album with its expansive structure and heavy psych-rock influences, showcasing the band's ambitious sound.
  • →
    25 / Longhair — This track exemplifies Monster Magnet's knack for blending catchy hooks with gritty instrumentation, capturing their unique style effectively.
  • →
    Murder — A shorter yet impactful track that encapsulates raw energy and lyrical intensity, highlighting the band's ability to deliver punchy rock anthems.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases a blend of heavy riffs and psychedelia, establishing a distinct sound within stoner rock.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff that sets a dark tone, followed by layered vocals that weave in and out of the instrumentation.
  • Tracks vary in length, with 'Murder' featuring an extended instrumental section that builds tension before resolving into a more melodic passage.
  • The EP features abrupt transitions between tracks, particularly moving from the psychedelic soundscapes of 'Lord 13' to the aggressive energy of 'Tractor'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • extended journeys through heavy riffs
  • immersive soundscapes for deep listening
  • pulsating rhythms that demand attention
  • exploratory vibes for late-night sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, radio-friendly tracks
  • want instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 1991, Tab was Monster Magnet's debut album, introducing their signature blend of hard rock and stoner influences. At this point, the band was still establishing their identity in the burgeoning alternative scene, following a series of demos and live performances that garnered underground attention.
Stylistic neighbors
Kyuss· Fu Manchu· Electric Wizard

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tab… 32:14
  • 2 25 / Longhair 12:28
  • 3 Lord 13 4:09
  • 4 Murder 3:38
  • 5 Tractor 3:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata