Artist Detailed Info: Drunk Tank

There are two bands named Drunk Tank:

1) Drunk Tank (1989-1993) was a rhythmically assaultive and off-kilter, noise rock trio; based in New York City, N.Y. Formed initially in Chicago - by Julian Mills (bass guitar/ vocals) and David "Alex" Barker (treble guitar) with Lew Ciccotelli (drum kit) - the band recorded and mixed four songs in one day, at Steve Albini's basement 8 track studio,before relocating to NYC in August 1989. The songs were released as two 7 inch singles: "Leadfoot" b/w "Scissors", in September '89, and "Hayride" b/w "Mary Worth", in December '89 (both on Radial Records.
In NYC, Ciccotelli was replaced by drummer Steven Cerio, who stayed with the trio until the end. The two singles garnered the band a load of fanzine reviews, college radio airplay, and the attention and support of BBC radio 1 DJ, John Peel. In addition, Drunk Tank was put on a lot of exciting bills at CBGB, Maxwell's, etc. as they were welcomed into the early 90's NYC noise rock scene.
In 1991, they recorded their one and only full length album, creatively titled "Drunk Tank". Around this time, Matador Records had started and manufactured and distributed the album for Radial Records. As the first two singles had long sold-out
and were only available at collector prices (as high as $50), they were included as bonus tracks on the CD version of the album.
In 1992, Drunk Tank played a sold-out show at London's Borderline Club and recorded a Peel Session. In addition, they were included on the compilation "Mesomorph Enduros" (Big Cat UK), curated by Jim Thirlwell to represent his favorite American bands of the time (also on the compilation: The Jesus Lizard, Cop
Shoot Cop, Laughing Hyenas, Tad, Melvins, Unsane, Foetus, etc.
By the end of '92, D.T. played their final show in Chicago. Deciding their mission accomplished and among other reasons, that unlike when they started, there were now a lot of generic noise rock bands that lacked any sense of black humor (coming across as serious, tough, rockers - not-unlike the sort of music Drunk Tank was reacting against).
A final 7 inch/ 3 song CD EP (of their last studio recordings from '92), called "Missing" was released posthumously in 1995 on Radial/ Matador.
In 1996, Julian Mills formed the Chicago-based group Dirty Old Man River, quite a stylistic contrast to Drunk Tank.

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