Here's Five: The Restarts

East London street punks The Restarts will be landing on these shores next week for their first ever tour of the country, starting in Dunedin and working their way up to Auckland. Having tucked more than a dozen releases under their studded belts since forming in 1995, the trio's trip downunder has been a long time coming and will no doubt result in a payload of thrashy, anarcho, power-chord punk that they are known for. In anticipation we asked Kieran (bass/vocals), Robin (guitar/vocals) and Jeremy (drums) to share a handful of cuts that have impacted them over the years...

1. The Gits - 'Second Skin'
Mia's voice blew me away from the first time I heard it. I had to know the name of the band and got their entire collection within a couple of weeks. The lyrics to this song combined with the guitar riffs and the drum intro build up just makes it one that just stands out in so many ways - Robin

2. Legion of Parasite - 'Sea of Desecration'
From the early Mortarhate compilation “We don’t want your fucking war” this UK band’s track made me want to play bass! The absolute frenetic chaos of that bass line still drives me made to this day! - Kieran

3. Poison Idea - 'Just To Get Away'
I love every single song of the Feel The Darkness album by my favourite band Poison Idea. I picked this though as we're about to embark on our SE Asia, AU and NZ tour and I just can't wait to get away :) Jerry's penetrating vocals and pissed off lyrics in 'Just To Get Away' make it a song you just can't help but get into when hearing it. Slayer Hippy's excellent intro, Pig's riffs, Mondo's beautiful bass licks after the verses and the amazing end solo instantly became a level of playing I wanted to reach myself and something to aim for. - Robin

4. G.L.O.S.S. - 'G.L.O.S.S. (We’re From The Future)'
Just when I thought punk was getting tired and rehashed G.L.O.S.S erupted on the US DIY scene. Fierce brutal transgender rage! It has inspired me to remember that expressing anger still has total relevance in this ever increasing hate filled world!- Kieran

5. Suicidal Tendencies - 'Cyco Vision'
First song that introduced me to fast perfectly played punk drumming with Brooks Wackerman behind the kit. - Jeremy

The Restarts

Wednesday 15th February, Musicians Club, Dunedin
Thursday 16th February, Churchills Live, Christchurch
Friday 17th February, Valhalla, Wellington
Saturday 18th February, Whammy, Auckland

Tickets available now HERE at UTR