Hailing from Iowa, Drunken Boat (Todd Colby on vocals, Todd Serbousek and Steve Gross on guitars) write songs that are ruthless indictments against the violence and amorality of the New York metropolis. After a still-tentative first album, Drunken Boat (First Warning, 1991), the group recorded the arduous and vibrant album See Ruby Falls (First Warning, 1992), permeated by Husker Du neuroses in Pool and by Velvet Underground nightmares via the Feelies in Day Long Day.

Funky grooves, sometimes reminiscent of Public Image Ltd, shake Dressy Hat (Yesha, 1995), and artsy pretensions permeate most of the songs, but the winners are relatively straightforward rockers like Apple Wine and I Love You.