The Restarts – “Outsider”

Originally released in 2007 on the band’s own No Label Records before being picked up in the US by Rodent Popsicle Records, Outsider is a masterclass in politically charged, street-level UK punk rock from London mainstays The Restarts. What makes this album an absolute classic is how effortlessly it bridges the gap between the blistering, hyper-aggressive speed of early ’80s hardcore and the anthemic, infectious bounce of ska-punk and classic Oi! music. Taking clear sonic cues from legendary acts like Discharge, The Ruts, and Conflict, the trio delivers a blistering, dual-vocal assault that remains musically tight without losing its raw, DIY edge. The album is brilliant because it tackles heavy, global socioeconomic issues with zero pretense; songs like Intelligent Design and Cluster Bombs rage with furious, thrash-infused energy, while tracks like Bolloxology inject a refreshing dose of rhythmic diversity and localized punk attitude. It stands out as an essential time capsule of modern UK street punk that is as catchy as it is uncompromisingly heavy.

Track Listing:

1 Outsider 2:44
2 They’re On To You 2:14
3 Enemy’s Enemy 2:12
4 Cluster Bombs 2:20
5 No Escape 2:31
6 Blown It 2:44
7 Running Out Of Time 3:00
8 Intelligent Design 2:56
9 Wake Up 2:32
10 Still Bored 1:52
11 Mindless Violence 2:31
12 Koyaanisqatsi 1:40
13 Bolloxology 3:01