NYC rock n roll, in the mind’s pie of rock n roll geography, got pegged with the darts of style— just pretty boys playing crafty songs—while other cities gained the rep for real rock. This is just not true. NYC is the original gutter. Down there you’ll find bands that play rock n roll from the gut. This is Kickstart. Kickstart makes their mark with strength of heart, not style. In 11 scuffed gems of rock n roll proclamation, Eric and company put every scrap of themselves on the table and let it ride in three minute bursts. The gravel voiced singer spits tales of a well-worn life, love gone bad, moments of transcendence and bouts with the bitter truth. This is rock n roll music with soul. No preening, no makeup, no lies. They say the truth can you set you free, but when it comes to you blasting over the speakers like an anthems of survival, the truth not only sets you free—it kicks you in the ass as you walk out the door. Play this record loud.

"Kickstart plays raw and relentless barroom brawl music. Frontman Eric Strickler lights up each anthemic number with gravelly vocals and guitar licks to match."
-3hive

"Non-pretentious traditional three chord and the truth punk rock played to the hilt is what this NYC trio Kickstart amplify on their 11-track self-titled offering. Placing punk back in the gutter with full force is what this act accomplishes, with dashes of Joe Strummer, Mike Ness, and Johnny Thunders hovering around each sneering vocal and infectious hook located in "Harmonica" and "Nothing at All". Streetwise and raw, this one is for the most hardened of punk heathens yearning for more than a fancy haircut and preposterous posturing."
Mike SOS - 3:16 Productions

"Should be called Kickass! This guy sings like the dude Joan Jett!"
-Roctober