Dregtones

Los Dregtones, or the "Dregtones," was a short-lived American psychedelic rock/ska-punk experimental band from El Paso, Texas, active in the early 1990s and established by vocalist and drummer Cedric Bixler-Zavala with his childhood friends Ralph Jasso on guitar and Jimmy Hernandez on bass. The rest of the lineup changed constantly, with Julio Venegas joining on bass while Hernandez was away for school, and a few itinerant drummers, including Andrew McCoi and Adam Young. In 1994, Dregtones released the 5 Song Alibi demo tape on Western Breed Records, recorded and mixed at Rosewood Studios by Mike Major (who produced Sparta in later years). The band's cassette is curious as an early introduction and predecessor to the eclectic sound of The Mars Volta years later, with clear influences of psych-prog, salsa, and even reggae. Los Dregtones dissolved the same year after its bassist and founding member, Jimmy Hernandez, died of cancer. In 1996, Julio Venegas, who created the 5 Song Alibi's artwork, committed suicide, which had a profound impact on Cedric Bixler. The entire concept and lyrical narrative of The Mars Volta's debut album in 2003, De-Loused In The Comatorium, focused on the "life and death of Julio Venegas;" Bixler and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez also used the symbol that Venegas created for the Dregtones cover in the Mars Volta's merch. Dregtones 1994 line-up Adam Young — drums Raphael Jasso — guitar Cedric Bixler — vocals Jimmy Hernandez — bass Louie Prieto Jr. — percussion