In their heyday in the 1970s, the Cardiac Kidz were little known outside Southern California. Now recently reunited, time appears to have landed squarely on their side. During their initial 1978-1981 run, the band scored much local press and gigs with such other San Diego notables of the era as The Penetrators and The Hitmakers. In 1979, the Cardiac Kitz released a 45 — “Get Out”/”Find Yourself A Way,” and an EP: “Playground,” which was recorded live at The Spirit club. After selling 1,000 copies of each, the band split up the following year. For most bands, that would be the end of the story. However, unbeknownst to the Cardiac Kidz, who perform at Dream Street tonight, Oct. 7, those records from 1979 would become major collector’s items for punk and power-pop fans around the world. As the band developed a cult following in the early ’90s, their songs began showing up on European vinyl bootlegs. Meanwhile, a copy of their first single was auctioned for more than $1,000 in 2007. In 2009, an Italian label, Rave Up, finally released “Get Out!” — an official album of the group’s music, neatly wrapping up the story, but also sowing the seeds for a return of the Cardiac Kidz. The band’s original split came about because of the usual issues that often derail young musicians: work, family and general lack of interest. “I felt [at the time] that we had pushed the San Diego music scene as far as it could go,” said bassist Jim Ryan. “For us to continue, we needed to move to New York where the music scene was taking off. The band members at that time did not want to make the leap. So I suggested we move to Los Angeles. The response was the same.” By that time the Cardiac Kidz were into their fourth lineup. “The Jethro Tull song with the lyrics ‘too old to rock ’n’ roll, but too young to die’ kept ringing in my ears,” Ryan joked. “That was it. I split up the band for lack of desire and interest to go on with the dream. I went off, got married and started a family. Six kids — three boys, three girls.” Despite growing attention for the band through the ’90s, it was the release of their album last year that was the catalyst that drove the band to perform again. “I saw the resurgence of punk rock in Europe and that our fan base was excited to have the ‘Get Out!’ tapes available, and figured now was the time to go forward,” Ryan said. He is joined in the new lineup by original member Jerry Flack (guitar), as well as Jerry Nelson (drums) and when available, David Rinck (guitar), a former member of The Wallflowers, The Injections and the Morlocks. “I saw Dave perform at the Casbah in January and I was impressed with his energy and raw stage presence,” Ryan said. “He brings experience from his past bands and an unending desire to just play music.” Ryan said the best part of being in the band is the creation of new music. “My favorite thing is the process of writing, taking things from a funny ‘hook’ stuck in your head to the finished, produced recording of the song itself,” Ryan said. “I like being able to express myself three-dimensionally.” He said one of the pluses of the current lineup is that all members contribute to the songwriting. “This is not the Jim Ryan show,” Ryan said. “Each one of us has proven that we can write alone and collaboratively. We all come to the table with years of solo works and eagerness to create new songs together.” At the moment, the band’s set list consists primarily of its vintage classics, with a few originals and the occasional re-invented cover tune, such as “Stepping Stone” or “Light My Fire.” In addition to his work with the Cardiac Kidz, Ryan is finishing up a solo album, “Dry your Tears,” due for a 2011 release. But his priority will remain the band. Upcoming plans include a European tour and further re-issues. After more than three decades, Ryan said he is thrilled to have the Cardiac Kidz back on the road. “Times are hard,” Ryan said. “The future is bleak and future shock has hit us straight on. I wanted to mobilize and not sit this decade out.” The Cardiac Kidz: 8 p.m. tonight, Oct. 7 at Dream Street, 2228 Bacon St. 21 and up. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/cardiackidz