Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls was a math rock quartet from New York that was composed mostly (or, later in their history, entirely) of female musicians. In keeping with the punk and riot grrrl spirit, most of their lyrics had a distinct feminist subtext, and they wove elements of punk into their volatile yet complex music as well, not to mention more straightforward rock and pop. Formed in 1992, the band originally consisted of bassist/lead vocalist Cynthia Nelson, guitarist/vocalists Jennifer Rogers and Letha Rodman, and drummer Andrew Bordwin.

Over 1992-1994, the band issued three self-released, cassette-only EPs and toured extensively behind them; they also issued several 7" singles on small indie labels like Spartadisc and Villa Villakula and appeared on several compilations. Drummer Bordwin left in 1994 to pursue a career in photography, and was replaced by Rogers' sister Laura. Also that year, Nelson appeared in the cult indie rock film Half Cocked alongside Rodan bassist Tara Jane O'Neil; the two had met on tour late in 1993 and became lovers not long after. Meanwhile, Ruby Falls contributed the track "Dusty" to the soundtrack. When Rodan broke up in late 1994, Nelson and O'Neil began collaborating in the rootsy indie pop duo Retsin, and Nelson took a hiatus from Ruby Falls to move to Louisville. She returned to New York in 1996 to rejoin Ruby Falls, who'd kept playing together in the meantime. The group first issued the EP What She Does on the Personal Favorite label, then followed it not long after with their full-length debut, Heroines, on Silver Girl. Nelson subsequently took another break to focus on both Retsin and the alt-country project the Naysayer, in which she played drums. Ruby Falls reconvened in 2000 for their second album, For the New Crop, which was released by Heartcore Records; following its release, they officially disbanded. The Rogers Sisters reteamed under exactly that name, and released an album in 2002.

by Steve Huey