Man's Ruin

AMG Review of Man's Ruin

Kieran McCarthy
All Music Guide

Drunkhorse, one of the more notable stoner rock outfits to emerge from the saturated San Francisco scene, were never one to pussyfoot around with pretension or delusional expectations. They know what they do, and they do it well. This sophomore effort, Tanning Salon/Biblical Proportions, showcases more of the same straight-ahead hard rock that's great for bars and parties. Supposedly, it's two concept albums crammed into one, although the notion that there might be one concept album for this kind of music seems a little strained, much less two. Nonetheless, Drunkhorse plows ahead, song after song, with chugging riffs and low-end power propelling them forward. This album is experimental without needlessly extended noodling, and creative without being cute. And (and this is a big and for stoner rock), the lyrics aren't so dumb they're a turn-off. The multi-instrumental barrage reverts to soupiness at times, but they're an indie band, so we should be able to forgive them.