Drunk Horse, a defining force in the Bay Area’s underground heavy rock scene during the late 1990s and 2000s, is making a triumphant return to the Ivy Room in Albany this Saturday night.
A Unique Hard Rock Legacy
Formed in 1998, Drunk Horse set themselves apart from the stoner-rock wave of the era. Guitarist and vocalist Eli Eckert (formerly of The Pants), drummer Chris Johnson (aka Cripe Jergensen), guitarist John Niles, and bassist Cyrus Comisky carved out a distinctive niche with their Southern-fried boogie sound. While many bands paid homage to Black Sabbath, Drunk Horse channeled the raw energy of early ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, and Foghat, while also drawing influence from lesser-known blues-rock acts like Cactus.
Their debut album, released on Frank Kozik’s Man’s Ruin Records in 1998, introduced their signature blend of chugging rhythms and blistering guitar work. The band’s second release, Tanning Salons/Biblical Proportions (2001), expanded their sound with experimental blues elements inspired by Captain Beefheart and the electrifying guitar virtuosity of John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra.
The Evolution of Drunk Horse
After Man’s Ruin folded, Drunk Horse found a new home with Tee Pee Records, a mainstay of the Southern California hard rock and psych scene. Their 2003 album Adult Situations marked another milestone, but following its release, guitarist John Niles left the group. The remaining members recruited The Fucking Champs’ guitarist Josh Smith and multi-instrumentalist Joel Robinow to fill the void.
Touring extensively across the U.S. and Europe, the band gained a loyal following, with multiple appearances at South by Southwest. Their 2005 album In Tongues became a defining statement, showcasing standout tracks like “Strange Transgressions” and “Priestmaker,” where Smith’s furious slide guitar work added a new dimension. Meanwhile, Eckert’s vocals and harmonized guitar interplay with Robinow evoked shades of Thin Lizzy.
Despite critical acclaim, Drunk Horse gradually slowed down, limiting their activity to occasional Bay Area performances.
Post-Drunk Horse Projects
Over the years, members pursued various musical endeavors. Comisky toured and recorded with Oakland metal mainstays Saviours, while Eckert and Robinow joined Comets on Fire guitarist Ethan Miller in the psych-rock band Howlin Rain, contributing to the 2008 album Magnificent Fiend. Later, Comisky replaced Eckert in Howlin Rain’s powerhouse quintet that also featured drummer Raj Ojha and Earthless guitar virtuoso Isaiah Mitchell.
Johnson took up drumming for punk outfit Andy Human and the Reptoids, as well as Miller’s fuzz-heavy power trio Feral Ohms. Meanwhile, Robinow and Eckert, now playing bass, teamed up with Ojha in the prog-pop band Once and Future Band, earning praise for their two full-length albums and touring alongside Tool and Chris Robinson’s As the Crow Flies. Comisky, on the other hand, continued making waves in the Oakland punk scene with his band Smokers.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Drunk Horse never officially announced a breakup, leaving the door open for a return. In 2019, after repeated requests from fans, the band reunited for a warm-up gig at Eli’s before taking the stage at Portland’s annual heavy psych festival Stumpfest. It marked their first hometown performance in over a decade.
While they played several more shows that year, Drunk Horse remained largely inactive post-2019 as Eckert and Robinow focused on Once and Future Band, with Robinow also joining The Black Crowes’ touring lineup alongside former bandmate Mitchell. However, they regrouped again for Stumpfest last year, this time with original guitarist John Niles back in the mix.
Drunk Horse Takes the Stage at the Ivy Room
Now, that classic lineup is back and ready to rock the Ivy Room in Albany this Saturday. Joining them is Terry Gross, an experimental heavy power trio featuring Phil Manley (The Fucking Champs, Trans Am), bassist Donny Newenhouse (Film School, Buffalo Tooth), and drummer Phil Becker (Pins of Light, ex-Triclops!). Known for their krautrock-inspired, high-energy sound, Terry Gross blends hypnotic grooves with the muscular intensity of The Melvins and classic German rock pioneers Can and Neu.
Opening the night is Haardvark, a new project featuring members of Hot Lunch, Mensclub, and Wig Torture, led by guitarist Aaron Nudelman and bassist Charlie Karr, with Jamie Sanitate on drums.
This show promises to be a night of electrifying performances, deep grooves, and a long-overdue homecoming for Drunk Horse. Don’t miss it!
Source: CBS News
