The Normals

**The Normals** were a scrappy punk outfit hailing from New Zealand’s thriving late-1970s indie scene, best known for their raw, high-energy sound and DIY spirit. Part of the influential Dunedin crowd that would later fuel the Flying Nun Records explosion, they blended garage-rock grit with a cheeky, no-frills attitude. Their 1978 live recording *Live at the Nelson 1978* captures their chaotic charm, while later releases like *Now Music Now* and *Vacation to Nowhere* showcase their knack for catchy, off-kilter hooks. Though they never hit mainstream fame, their lo-fi recordings and rebellious vibe left a lasting imprint on Aotearoa’s underground music legacy.