Big guitars played by dumb animals? Close, but not quite - although Drunk Horse's name might imply fretwork tomfoolery and under-the-influence ramblings, their second album is actually a fairly focused, roughly coherent piece of work.

Lacking the bombast of their debut Adult Situations (or maybe I'm just thinking that way because of louder releases since, or I was drunk the last time I played it... whatever), In Tounges is FM-rock gone ever-so slightly left of centre, full of quality ZZ Top riffin' and retro-fired swagger but retaining a feeling of now, born of the resurgence of classic rock 'n' roll. The Californians rarely twist their amps down from eleven, but nevertheless keep the melodies prominent and the good times rolling. Compositions are never particularly challenging for either musician or audience, which results in the kind of instant familiarity found in quality pop rock and choruses that aim straight upwards and never look back.

If the miserable weather stops for longer than a day at a time, In Tongues could well become staple summertime listening. Providing a cool beer is always at hand, anyway.