This is the sound of pure, unadulterated defiance. The Restarts deliver a sonic assault that feels like a brick through a window, blending the breakneck speed of hardcore with the anthemic grit of street punk. The guitars are thick and metallic, providing a heavy foundation for vocals that sound less like singing and more like a series of urgent commands delivered through a megaphone. It is music that refuses to sit still or play nice.
What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the DIY squat scene and their ability to make political anger feel physically tangible. While many punk bands lean into melody or nihilism, The Restarts lean into the 'chunky' side of the genre, incorporating elements of crust and thrash that give their songs a weight and momentum most street punk lacks. It is a high-energy, no-frills experience that prioritizes message and impact over polish.
If you are new to the band, start with 'System Error' or 'Uprising'. These records capture their evolution from raw squat-punk beginnings to a more refined, yet equally ferocious, sound. It is the perfect soundtrack for when you need to feel empowered, angry, or simply want to move your feet at 180 beats per minute.
The Restarts are a street punk band based in London. The Restarts were formed in 1995 in London with Darragh O'Neill on drums, Kieran Plunkett from Armed and Hammered on bass guitar, and Mik Useless on the guitar. They played many shows in the UK as a trio until Useless left, at which point Alan Campbell joined the band. With Campbell on guitar, they recorded their album System Error LP, but due to his commitments to the UK Subs he had to leave. In April 2003 Robin Licker from the Short Bus Window Lickers joined the Restarts as their new guitarist. They toured extensively in Europe and US. They have played with bands like Born/Dead, Limp Wrist, The Accüsed, Strychnine, Dr. Know and Monster Squad. The band members are also politically active. For example Robin is a member of Elbit Eight.[1]
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