The Drabs are an independent rock band based in North County led by composer, guitarist, and lead vocalist David Bernat. The band formalized in 2005 when Bernat met drummer Scotty Myers.
Bernat’s catalog of original compositions were initially worked up during practice sessions at Myers' backyard shed in Carlsbad, with the duo utilizing available drop-by friends on bass guitar including Noah Sugarman (500 Miles to Memphis) and Chris Torres (The Grass Heat, Kris Allen Band). Four early songs were formalized into demo recordings via Sven Erik-Seaholm’s home based studio in 2006, and these tracks were dispersed by the band as hand labeled, numbered CD-R copies.
With the re-location departure of Myers to the midwest in 2008, Michael C. Stone (Demise O, the Grass Heat) joined on drums. Bassist Steve Clark (Hardly Human) was recruited in 2013 after responding to a Craigslist advertisement.
The band’s debut full length LP Ponto was released in March 2012 and features nine original tracks recorded primarily at Big Fish Studio in Encinitas by Ben Moore. Moore also contributed Hammond B3 organ to the session. Matt Pivetti (The Richter) contributed backing vocals.
A holiday themed EP entitled Here Comes the Joy was released in November 2015 featuring four original tracks recorded primarily at Signature Sound Studios in San Diego by Ben Moore. Guest musicians A.J. Croce (piano) and Gayle Skidmore (vocals) contributed to the sessions. The EP was praised on multiple "Best Of 2015" holiday blog lists for new original seasonal releases.
The trio of Bernat, Clark, and Stone released a new full-length in September 2022. Hurry Light features ten original tracks recorded primarily with Ben Moore at local Singing Serpent, with piano tracking at Rarefied Recording. The band's third official release also has Moore mixing and playing organ, with other local guests including Andy Geib (flugelhorn), Shelbi Bennett (vocals), and Ed Kornhauser (piano).