Stoner rock is a genre of rock music characterized by heavy, fuzzed-out riffs and a slow, sludgy tempo. The spelling of "stoner" comes from its association with marijuana use, but it is spelled with a single "n" instead of two. The IPA transcription for "stoner" is /ˈstoʊnər/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" at the end is not pronounced, making it a silent letter. Overall, stoner rock is a distinctive genre that can be recognized by its thick, rumbling sound and relaxed pace.
Stoner rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. It is characterized by its heavy, slow-tempoed, and down-tuned sound, influenced by 1970s hard rock and psychedelia. The term "stoner rock" derives from the association of its music with the consumption of marijuana or the so-called "stoner" culture, known for its laid-back attitude and affinity towards mind-altering substances.
Stoner rock typically features prominent guitar riffs with a fuzzy, distorted tone, often played using detuned guitars for a sludgy, thick sound. The tempo is often slow and deliberate, with the emphasis placed on creating a hypnotic and massive sonic atmosphere. The bass guitar is typically deep and groovy, driving the heavy rhythm section along with pounding drums.
Lyrically, stoner rock often explores themes like escapism, mind expansion, and altered states of consciousness. The lyrics often evoke a sense of wandering, nostalgia, or psychedelia, and may touch on topics such as nature, fantasy, or science fiction.
Bands such as Kyuss, Sleep, and Fu Manchu are considered pioneers of stoner rock, and their influence has shaped the genre's development. Stoner rock has further expanded and diversified over time, with subgenres like desert rock and stoner metal incorporating elements of other genres such as psychedelia, doom metal, and blues rock.
The term "stoner rock" originated in the 1990s to describe a specific genre of music characterized by heavy guitars, slow tempo, and a psychedelic or trance-like sound. The etymology of "stoner rock" is directly linked to the cultural influence of cannabis consumption. The word "stoner" is a colloquial term for someone who frequently smokes or consumes cannabis, and as this style of music was often associated with that subculture, it became known as "stoner rock". The sound and lyrics of stoner rock bands often evoke a laid-back, hazy, and sometimes introspective atmosphere that some people may associate with the effects of marijuana.