Draft:Drastic Action

Drastic Action was an American punk rock band from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Formed in 1996, and active until 2001, the band played shows around Southern California and released several recordings.

The band's name is derived from the Bad Religion song "Drastic Actions".

Formation, and original lineup (1996-1997)
Drastic Action was founded in December 1996 in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The original lineup consisted of Jason Terry (guitar), Alex Segovia (guitar), Chris Brummel (vocals), Manny Solano (bass) and Mike Haselwander (drums), who were all friends from high school. The band played their first show on December 29, 1996, two weeks after forming, at Bricks in Claremont, California.

In March 1997, the band recorded a 10 song demo at Pulsar Studios in Placentia, California, with all original songs. The recording was self-released on April 11, 1997 on cassette tape and titled "One Mean Dude".

Member Turnover (1997-1998)
Not long after the release of the demo, original members Mike and Manny left the band. Jason and Alex continued with Chris and several other members that joined for the band for brief stints during the following year. These included Jeff Ash (bass/vocals), Monkey Alvarez (drums), Courtney Carman (bass), Sam (drums).

In September 1997, the band recorded five songs at Sound Sanctuary, in Riverside, California. These recordings were initially planned to be part of a split 7" record with Disturbing the Peace, but this never materialized.

In February 1998 the band recorded two songs at Studio 9 in Pomona, California. These songs were included on the "Comp Pounding" compilation album CD, which was released in the summer on Solidarity First Records. Other bands included on this compilation were Atomic Bombs and Narcoleptic Youth.

Chris left the band shortly after the "Comp Pounding" recording sessions. Jeff Ash moved from bass to vocals, but ultimately left the band at the end of the year.

The First Two Years (1999)
In early 1999, the band self-released a 19 song compilation CD titled "The First Two Years: 1996-1998". This contained their early recordings which included songs from the "Comp Pounding" compilation, "One Mean Dude" demo, the previously unreleased tracks from the Sound Sanctuary sessions, and songs recorded in Jason's home studio.

Don't Look Back 7" (1999)
With a revamped lineup for 1999, Jason and Alex were joined by Andy Fierro (bass), Brandon Gavell (vocals), and Jeff (drums). The band recorded five songs at Studio 9 that would be pressed on a 7" EP record, and was self-released on August 24, 1999. The EP was titled "Don't Look Back", and contained four original songs and one cover song of "I Hate People" by Anti-Nowhere League. There were 500 copies of the record pressed, all on red vinyl.

Taking Over EP (1999)
Shortly after the release of "Don't Look Back", Brandon and Jeff left the band.

In the fall of 1999, original member Chris rejoined on vocals. The band recorded eight songs in Jason's home studio. Four of which were included on the "Taking Over EP", that was self-released on cassette November 20, 1999. Scott Diaz joined as drummer shortly before the EP was released, however Jason played drums on the recording.

Ripperside Skates & Sacrifice EP (2000)
In February 2000, Alex left the band and moved to Texas. Later that month, as a four-piece, the band recorded two songs at Studio 9 in Pomona. Drastic Action's song "Trust" was included on the "Ripperside Skates" compilation CD, which was released in May on the Voodoo Glow Skulls' El Pocho Loco label. Other bands included on this compilation were Assorted Jelly Beans, Los Infernos, Total Chaos, and Voodoo Glow Skulls.

In July 2000, the band recorded eight songs in Jason's home studio. Six of which were included on the “Sacrifice e.p.”, that was self-released on CD August 5, 2000.

Breakup (2001)
In January 2001, Scott graduated college and left the band. Former drummer Sam returned to the band.

In the fall of 2001, Andy signed up for the United States Navy, and Chris quit the band. Being the last remaining founding member, Jason decided to end the band.

Anthology (2003)
Despite not being active, interest remained in the band, and the available records continued to sell at local record shops including Dr. Strange Records, and Interpunk.com. On March 11, 2003 a retrospective CD was released, titled “Let ‘em Bleed: The Anthology”. This compilation album featured 20 songs, with previously released and unreleased material.

Reunion (2007)
On October 27, 2007 Drastic Action reunited to play at show at Rhino Records in Claremont, California. The reformed lineup consisted of Jason (guitar), Andy (bass), Chris (vocals) and Scott (drums). This one-off show is the last time they have played together.

Shows
Drastic Action played 50 shows over their career, all in Southern California. Venues the band has played include the Showcase Theatre in Corona, the Barn in Riverside, Anti-Club in Los Angeles, the Youth Activity Center in Claremont, along with many others. They have played shows with bands that include the U.S. Bombs, Dee Dee Ramone, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Backside, and Union 13. Drastic Action has also received airplay on college radio stations including KUCR and KSPC.