A drunk tank is a jail cell or separate facility accommodating people who are intoxicated, especially with alcohol.
Traditionally, and in some jurisdictions currently, the circumstances of drunk-tank occupants may vary widely, as to whether in fact intoxicated, whether willingly there, whether isolated to protect them from others, confined to protect others from them, or simply permitted to find shelter, and whether legally under arrest, charged with an offense, or neither. Those in need of more long-term treatment may be referred to a rehabilitation center.
There are few to no 'drunk tanks' in existence today, due to the overwhelming danger for the clients who were generally not monitored including suicide or medical complications. There are separate facilities, such as those in Britain, Australia, Canada, and the United States, which are referred to as "sobering-up centers" or "sobering centers".
In some countries of Europe, such modern institutions are known by names that may be translated as "sobering-up station" or similar.
Drunk Tank was a noise rock group formed in Chicago, Illinois and active between 1989 to 1992. Although the band was short lived, their few releases garnered them favorable reviews. The band's earliest incarnation featured drummer and percussionist Lou Ciccotelli, who would become recognized for his involvement in God, Laika and Ice.
Drunk Tank was formed in 1989 by guitarist Alex Barker, drummer Lou Ciccotelli and vocalist/bassist Julian Mills. Released in September of that year, the band's debut single Leadfoot/Sclssors was produced and recorded by Big Black front-man Steve Albini and described by Maximumrocknroll as "throbbing, loud post-hardcore" as well as "good post-earthquake music."Hayride With Mary Worth was released in December with continued involvement from Albini. The band relocated to New York City and graphic artist Steven Cerio replaced Lou Ciccotelli, who moved to London and began performing with Kevin Martin.
The band released their first full-length album in 1991, which earned them comparisons to The Jesus Lizard, Rapeman, King Snake Roost. Critical success seemed suggested major label interest was imminent and the band traveled London and headlined a sold out show at the Borderline club. The Missing EP was recorded in November 1992 but released posthumously in 1995, after Drunk Tank had disbanded. Julian Mills went on to form Dirty Old Man River in 1996 and Steven Cerio became involved in Sonisk Blodbad.
Drunk Tank is the eponymously titled debut studio album of Drunk Tank, released in 1991 by Radial Records. The CD release of the album is appended with tracks taken from the band's first two 7" singles.
Drunk Tank garnered favorable reviews upon its release. Mark Woodlief of Option praised the group for their "unpredictability, sheer raging force and antisociality" and that their music "rattles the innards of the brain, shaking the listener awake to the possibilities of making fingernails on a chalkboard sound darn good." Ian Christie of Alternative Press noted the band's more focused direction and that major label interest might be forthcoming.
All songs written and composed by Alex Barker, Steven Cerio and Julian Mills.
Adapted from Drunk Tank liner notes.
Last call has come and gone for us
down at our favorite bar.
We got more beer at home but
we can't walk 'cause' its too far
Got a brand new set of wheel, and
it's parked right out in the back
it's called the DRUNK TANK
and it's hell on tracks!
We're having trouble walking
so i guess we better drive.
Don't even have to worry
if we'll make it home alive.
With twenty-seven tons
of fine carbon steel,
it doesn't matter if you're fucked up
when you get behind the wheel!
Lock and load get on the road,
in the Drunk Tank!
Grinding gears and pounding beers,
in the Drunk Tank!
Inebriated, Amout plated,
in the Drunk Tank!
Drive and swill and shoot to kill,
in the Drunk Tank!
Set off to the bar
with happy hour in out sights.
Several hours later
we'll be blacked out in a fire fight.
Cut off by the bartender
we'll drive right through the door
With a cannon pointed at his head
I bet he'll serve some more
Flashing reds behind us
but we won't pull to the side
Swivel 'round the turret
Johnny-law had better hide
Let loose with the machine gun,
watch his car disintegrate.
Now he's writing tickets
from the wrong side of hell's gates
Lock and load get on the road,
in the Drunk Tank!
Grinding gears and pounding beers,
in the Drunk Tank!
Inebriated, Amout plated,
in the Drunk Tank!
Drive and swill and shoot to kill,
in the Drunk Tank!
Drunk tank!!!
Drunk tank!!!
Drunk tank!!!
Drunk tank!!!
Drunk tank!!!
Drunk tank!!!
Drunk tank!!!