False Alarm

False Alarm

False Alarm is a punk rock group associated with Los Angeles, California, and is best known for a long-running, shifting history that begins in the early 1980s. The band first starts as Bad Influence in 1981, founded by brothers Paul and Floyd Aragon, before adopting the name False Alarm around 1982. The name comes from an incident in which members describe pulling alarms in the Fairfax District. In its early period the group is loosely organised and passes through a changing line-up that includes Fat Mike, later of NOFX. Its early sound is influenced by the Ramones, Dead Boys, Black Flag, Angry Samoans and Reagan Youth.

Early years and first split

By 1983 the original version of the band has broken up. In 1996 Floyd Aragon announces plans to revive the group and issue old and new recordings. That re-formed line-up includes Paul Aragon on lead vocals, Brent Alden on bass, Dylan Maunder on guitar and Art Chianello on drums. The band plays mainly at Al’s Bar, the Anti-Club and other venues between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Recordings and changing line-ups

In 1998 False Alarm releases Learning Is Impossible, a seven-song CD containing six new songs and one song from 1983 featuring Fat Mike on lead vocals. The group breaks up again in 1999. In 2001 it reforms with Dylan Maunder replacing Paul Aragon on vocals, and Brent Alden, Art Chianello and Maunder begin recording a new release. Paul Kostabi, of Youth Gone Mad, joins after Brent Alden meets Dee Dee Ramone, who is Kostabi’s painting partner. Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs is sent a demo in 2002 and agrees to take part in the recording.

Later releases

The recording also brings in two other figures from the Los Angeles underground punk scene: De De Troit of U.X.A. and Rick Wilder of the Mau-Mau’s and the Berlin Brats. The completed CD does not appear until 2006. In 2009 the band signs to the Italian label Nicotine Records and releases Fuck ‘Em All We’ve All Ready (Now) Won! in Europe.

Other line-ups

The name False Alarm is also used by other groups, including a punk rock trio from Bexley, Ohio, active in the late 2000s, and an indie rock act from Hong Kong.