The Action Design

The Action Design formed in 2006 in Petaluma, California, following the dissolution of the influential pop-punk band Tsunami Bomb. Led by vocalist Emily Whitehurst and bassist Matt McKenzie, the group represented a deliberate sonic pivot.

While their pedigree was firmly rooted in the Warped Tour punk scene, The Action Design embraced a 'dance-punk' aesthetic that prioritized syncopation, clean production, and melodic sophistication over raw aggression. Their sound is characterized by McKenzie's prominent, driving basslines and Whitehurst's transition from the 'Agent M' persona to a more versatile, indie-rock vocal style. The addition of keyboards and a focus on rhythmic 'pulses' aligned them with contemporaries like theSTART and Shiny Toy Guns, bridging the gap between alternative rock and the burgeoning indie-electronic movement of the late 2000s. Despite a relatively short active period, they earned critical respect for successfully evolving their sound beyond the limitations of their previous genres, maintaining a cult following for their high-energy live performances and polished studio output.