Along with Kitsch, Sommerset were one of the biggest name in New Zealand punk before their demise. They play a melodic brand of hardcore with strong choruses and quality songwriting. The band got together in 1995 with the end of the band Pacecar in which Ryan Thomas, Stefan Thompson and Jay Dougray all originally played. Stefan was also a member of Balance at the time.
Christian Humphreys (who has also performed in Day One and So to Speak) joined shortly after the release of the band’s debut recording.
Sommerset’s releases to date include their self-titled CD EP and their first full-length album ‘More Songs From Last Century’. The band have also featured on several compilations, both local and international, a split 7″ with Australian band Mid Youth Crisis and a split CD EP with another Australian band 28 Days. Their first CD EP and ‘More Songs…’ have been out of press until recently when they were both re-released on one disc by German label Get up And Go.
Sommerset have played continuously throughout New Zealand and Australia. This includes an independent national tour, repeated trips around the North Island as well as a North Island tour with HLAH.
Sommerset have been to Australia three times to date. They have played with visiting international bands such as NOFX, Sick Of It All, The Smugglers, Living End, Less Than Jake, Frenzal Rhomb, Mindsnare, Code 13, All You Can Eat and Good Clean Fun.
Sommerset are:
Jay Dougrey (drums, vocals)
Ryan Thomas (vocals, guitar)
Stefan Thompson (bass, vocals)
Milon Williams (guitar, vocals)
