Band: Drop Off Point
From: New Zealand
Their formation story:
(Garreth Steiner, bass): "For the last 12 years with help from D.O.P guitarist I have run an archive project called NZHC past and present. We also run a New Zealand hardcore zine called From Here On Out with help from Dactyl Tattoos. We have a website NZHCPP.com, Instagram, Facebook, and a YouTube channel if you would like to learn a bit about NZHC.
"The band was originally started as COVID lockdown project with members Dave Jordan, Ben Klinkenberg, Bones Carter, and myself. Soon after the lockdowns, we wanted to do shows and make it official. We dropped a EP in 2022 but soon after we had a change in lineup. Facundo Ferreira and Michael Walker replaced Ben and Dave."
Their sound in their own words:
"Drop Off Point listens to a lot of eras of punk, hardcore, as well as early metal hardcore, beatdown, and street punk. From the H8000 hardcore scene to the London LBU scene to the NYHC scene to the Boston scene, and Jersey scene to the PAHC scene. Most scenes and bands that have come and gone we have listened to over the last 29 years.
"But when it came to doing this band we knew we wanted to do something with a mid-'90s vibe. As teens we grew up going to hardcore shows,pre internet when Victory Records and Revelation catalogs were our only contact with the world. Our sound is heavily influenced by NYHC, a tinge of PAHC, and street punk. We play a stripped back style of hardcore aimed to bring back sing alongs and pile ons to NZHC."
Latest release info:
"We just dropped a new EP called Bridge City Crew, which is basically named after our local hardcore crew: BCHC represent! The first song was blessed with an intro from Hoya Roc of Madball kicking in to a song called 'Rat Race' followed up by a song called 'People Die' featuring Mad Joe Black from Krutch, Mushmouth, and Wisdom In Chains.
"Next up is a song called 'Papamoa Alleyways,' which is dedicated to one of our friends, Jesse, who passed away. It tells a story about drinking together, brotherhood, and the good old days. 'Bridge City Crew' is up next and is a song dedicated to our youth and growing up in the NZHC scene.
"The last song on the EP is a cover of a band called Vendetta who was heavily influenced by Bulldoze and Rykers at the time, and the song title 'Hamtown Smakdown,' which became a name of a local hardcore punk fest and they just celebrated their 20th year this year."
Future plans:
"Bridge City Crew will be released on vinyl by Metric System Records and sold on NZHCPP.com. As soon as our records arrive, we will be doing a nationwide tour to back our recent release. We are also planning to make a trip over to Australia in 2024, which would be great for us all."
What other bands from their region should we check out?
"There are some amazing bands here in NZ. Check out current bands such as Standover, Gravelpit, Soul Void, Brawler, Stalker, Pressure, Xile, Easy Off, Dole Bludger, Stacked, ColdXwar, Stress Ghetto, Spiteful Urinator, and Amanaki.
"Don't sleep on New Zealand as we need more bands to visit our little country. If you are touring Australia, it's just over the ditch. Add us to your tour. There is a strong culture here full of people who love hardcore, beatdown, metal, Oi!, death metal, d-beat, thrash, power violence, etc.
"For any inquiries about booking shows or local promoters please email [email protected]."
***
Drop Off Point on social media: Facebook | Instagram
***
Tagged: drop off point
