Drunk Horse - In Tongues Review
Posted by Tim Johnson on 06.24.2005
These birds you cannot change
Eli Eckert – Vocals/Guitar
Cyrus Comiskey – Bass Guitar
Cripe Jergensen – Drums
Josh Smith/Joel Robinow – Lead Guitar
When I first acquired the new release from the California band Drunk Horse, I wasn’t sure what to make of it.
In an industry predominately ruled by Nu-Metal, Candy Pop, and “American Idols,” it’s hard to find something that breaks the mold.
“In Tongues” does just that.
Usually, when current bands attempt to revamp a classic sound, it’s done in parody. If you’ve listened to anything by The Darkness or Fozzy, you know what I mean.
When vintage southern-style riffs introduced the first track, “Strange Transgressors,” I thought I was in for more of the same.
It only took a couple of seconds to realize these guys were serious.
The 10 track CD is comprised mostly of loud guitars, scratchy vocals, and resounding drum beats. The musicianship is above average, and the songs are a drastic contrast of radio friendly rock.
Well, radio friendly rock of 2005 anyway.
The band’s homage to the Skynyrd era is obvious throughout the disc, and tracks like “Priestmaker” and “Self Help” are rooted in influence. The latter is somewhat reminiscent of “The Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy.
Still, other tracks like “Howard Phillips” and the potential signature song “Skydog” better showcase the band’s talent and innovation.
The strongest selection on the album is the multi-layered instrumental track, “Grinding Teeth.” This song further affirms Drunk Horse’s attempt to create their own sound, instead of simply regurgitating older material.
The problem is, there is practically no market for this kind of music anymore. Therefore, the album has potential to go largely unnoticed.
“In Tongues” is not a groundbreaking effort. It’s a solid rock n’ roll record from a band that’s obviously not interested in Nu-Metal, Candy Pop, or “American Idols.”
“In Tongues” is available June 28th and it can be purchased through Tee Pee Records. Their first effort, “Adult Situations” can also be found on Rhapsody.
The 411: Drunk Horse threw out the rule book of modern day music and produced a refreshingly original CD, influenced by an era long forgotten. It’s a straight forward, unapologetic rock n’ roll album that succeeds in being what it is.
