ALBUM REVIEWS : FU MANCHU: “Daredevil”, <i> Bong Load Records</i>

It was only a matter of time before the sounds of the East Coast’s psychedelic punk-metal band Monster Magnet found their way to Orange County.

That’s not to say San Clemente-based Fu Manchu has ripped off the Magnet’s sound. Far from it. In fact, Fu Manchu counts the members of Monster Magnet among its biggest fans and was the opening act for the New Jersey band’s recent 10-city Northwest tour.

What the quartet has managed to do is pleasantly blend that Monster Magnet connection and other influences to produce a very good record.

The follow-up to their debut album, “No One Rides for Free,” makes it obvious from the opening track that this band can write pretty good pop tunes. But while the band’s concept of the pop tune might make Michael Jackson or Michael Bolton fans run for cover, the 11 tracks have direction and sufficient melody to keep metal--and even punk--fans humming along for hours.

Though the band has moved away from the Black Sabbath sound that shaped its early EPs and singles, it hasn’t dumped it altogether--”Gathering Speed,” for example, could have fit nicely on Sabbath’s “Paranoid” album. Besides Sabbath, early Grand Funk and the ‘60s band Blue Cheer seem to play a big part in the songwriting, which is shared among the band members.

Lead guitarist Eddie Glass, who refreshingly strays from the flash and slickness, utilizes his lead as a complement to singer Scott Hill’s nonchalant but striking voice and rhythm guitar.

Glass effectively mingles a hypnotic, psychedelic riff remnant of Blue Cheer throughout the record. But it’s the song “Coyote Duster” that really spotlights his playing. In 2 minutes 50 seconds, Glass does what a majority of metal guitarists can only dream about--tingling the listener’s spine with a hallucinogenic fuzz tone. Brad Davis’ bass keeps the music driving, and drummer Ruben Romano rounds out the lineup.

Unlike Monster Magnet, which seems fixated on a weird sci-fi landscape, Fu Manchu remains content to write about the things they enjoy in life: fast cars, vans, surfing, pinball, partying and drugs.

Though the lyrics might make parents twitch, this is a fun record that undoubtedly is just for the kids. The only weakness is that a couple of the songs are repetitive. For the most part, Fu Manchu appears to be on its way to developing its identity.

(Bong Load Records, P.O. Box 931538, Hollywood, Calif. 90093.)

* Fu Manchu plays Wednesdayh at the Viper Room, 8858 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 10 p.m. $10. (310) 358-1880. Also Nov. 8 at Monty’s Pub on the campus of San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego. 9:45 p.m. $5. (619) 594-5200.