The Gears

**The Gears** were a scrappy punk rock outfit born in the late '70s Los Angeles scene, tearing through dive bars with their high-energy, no-frills sound. Originally formed by vocalist Brian Redding, guitarist Kidd Spike, bassist Dave Drive, and drummer Axxel G Reese, they became a staple of the West Coast punk explosion alongside bands like X and The Germs. Their 1981 debut album, *Rockin’ at Ground Zero*, solidified their reputation for gritty, fast-paced anthems and remains a cult favorite. After disbanding in the early ’80s, they surprised fans by reuniting decades later, dropping a comeback album (*Four on the Floor*) in 2018 that proved they hadn’t lost their bite. Tracks like *When Things Get Ugly* showcase their knack for catchy, chaotic riffs and Redding’s signature snarl. While never achieving mainstream fame, The Gears’ DIY spirit and infectious garage-punk energy earned them a loyal following who still blast their tunes at full volume.