SOMMERSET
December 1995 - July 2005
(From casadeldiscorecords.com)
Sommerset formed in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1995 when drummer Jay Dougrey and vocalist/guitarist Ryan Thomas got together with bassist Stefan Thompson.
In the nine years of Sommerset, line up changes have continually bought a more focused energy to the band. In 2003 Milon Williams joined the band, and now in 2004 the line up is complete with drummer Stu Ritalin.
After a string of successful EP's, Sommerset’s debut album ‘More Songs’ was recorded at the end of 1997. The band forced engineer Andrew Buckton (The D4, Crowded House, Bic Runga) to record and mix a 12-song album in 4 days. The first press of the “More Songs” sold out completely both in their homeland and Australia. The album was released in
New Zealand (Kafuey), Australia (Trial and Error) and Germany (Get Up And Go).
In 1996 Sommerset released a split single with Mid Youth Crisis, this brought the band their first trip across the Tasman. A second split single with 28 Days was released in 1999, Sommerset's contribution included the song ‘1998’, an integral part of the Sommerset live show. Again this single release saw Sommerset tour Australia to sold out rooms, and cemented their reputation as the killer live act.
Over the summer of 2001, Sommerset recorded their second full-length album, working again with Andrew Buckton. Entitled “Fast Cars, Slow Guitars”; the New Zealand and international press met it with critical acclaim. The album is now released in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, USA, Canada, Europe and the UK.
Sommerset have also shared the stage with many international bands, a brief list includes: Sick Of It All, Frenzal Rhomb, The Living End, Less Than Jake, Guttermouth, No Fun At All, No Means No, NOFX, Millencolin, Strung Out, Grade, Sum 41, Unwritten Law and Goldfinger.
Sommerset embarked on a 45-date tour of Europe, USA and Canada in 2002. The pace of the European leg was particularly manic, with 36 shows in 39 days! Several shows including support slots for names such as Down By Law, Kill Your Idols and Ensign. In the USA, Sommerset played at NYC’s legendary CBGB’s. The tour was extremely successful and Sommerset garnered scores of new fans in new parts of the world.
In August of 2002, the New Zealand media lavished much attention on Sommerset. The band was awarded "Best Live Act" at the Squeeze Music TV awards
In 2003, Sommerset returned to Europe for an excess of 50 shows, spanning from the U.K. to the Czech Republic. Highlights include Donots support and a cathartic headline show to a sold out London's Camden Underworld, and an infamous double bill in Italy featuring Sommerset and unbelievably, The Wu Tang Clan!
After taking a long overdue break from touring, Sommerset returned to New Zealand to concentrate on writing songs for their fourth album "Say What You Want" late in 2003 after what had realistically been a solid 12 months on the road.
Once again, the band locked themselves in the York Street studios with old partner in crime, Andrew Buckton, only this time Sommerset took their time recording, making sure this album surpasses all their previous efforts.
The new songs sit more squarely in the "rock" camp, darker in mood but every bit as high-energy as previous outings.
The first single "Inside", distils their vitriol and power into one concise, lethal package and sets it to a murderously catchy rocking riff. Immediately added to high rotation across New Zealand radio, and sure to quickly become a highly spun track on radio in Australia
In the last nine years, Sommerset's following has swelled from a dedicated core of hometown supporters to thousands of listeners in over 15 countries. From Invercargill to Prague, Sommerset's dedication to touring their heartfelt blend of hardcore, punk and rock has been virtually unsurpassed. Their live shows are the veritable geometry of exhilaration - equal parts grace and chaos, contempt and charisma.
2004 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Sommerset, with their new album due for release in July, an extensive tour of New Zealand, two tours of Australia and a return to Europe already planned - there is just no stopping this powerhouse of a band.
