ARTCORE, #22 (A4, 40 pages, £1+SASE) The mighty ARTCORE is back and once again it provides what is easily the best straightforward, no frills Punk Rock read you are likely to find in the UK and probably in Europe. This issue sees grillings for the reformed and fantastic ADOLESCENTS, the raging VITAMIN X, Southampton’s PILGER, FUCKED UP and more. One of the highlights of ARTCORE is the ‘Vaultage’ section and this issue sees timely reminders of the greatness of GANG GREEN, NEGAZIONE, SOCIAL UNREST, Posh Boy Recs and more. The icing on the cake is a chat with artist Michael Cavallaro. Of course, you have Welly’s barbed, acerbic, knowledgeable and spot on review section, awesome layouts and the political cynicism of ‘The Daily Terrorgraph’. This is a zine that has always been hugely inspirational and each issue just gets better. If there IS a fault, it’s in the lack of non-musical comment from Editor Welly himself. He is an incredibly opinionated fella and one who can write with style, so the lack of articles from him has always been a bit of a let down. Minor gripes aside, this is in constant battle with ZONKED! to claim my ‘Best zine in the UK’ award. If you have never seen it – do yourself a favour and write to Welly now – got it? 1 Aberdulais Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff, CF14 2PH, UK
BALD CACTUS, #22 (A5, 32 pages, 50p+SASE) There’s something reassuring about Bald Cactus. You know each issue is gonna have a genuine sincerity about it, you know there will be many contentious subjects raised and you know the music reviews are gonna tell it like it is. This issue sees Andy chatting to ACTIVE MINDS, INDICATOR and a dismal CONFLICT interview, which is not Andy’s fault as his line of questioning is of his usual interesting and original standard - it’s poor because Colin answered the questions in a very taciturn manner, verging on the point of apathy. The rants this issue are fantastic - and greater in number than before it seems - featuring subjects such as Andy’s first arrest, security at Punk shows, capitalism and an amusing piece on how LEATHERFACE is becoming the cloned band of the 90s as DISCHARGE was in the 80s. I don’t always agree with Andy’s point of view, or with his music taste, but as Andy is a witty and opinionated writer, the zine is always a pleasure to read for that very reason. He does a great distro too - a very honest fella in all the dealings I have had with him, so write to:- 145-149 Cardigan Road, Leeds, LS6 1LJ, UK. E-mail:-
BARBIE'S DEAD, #13 (A4, 20 pages, 50p+SASE) In the past, I have been quite a harsh critic of this regular zine outta the South West of England. A few issues ago, Alex did a great tour diary of some time he spent at his brother's in Japan which marked the start of some serious improvement. This issue sees Alex interview a load of UK zine Editors including such great people as Peter ZONKED, Andy BALD CACTUS, Rachel and Chip HEADWOUND, Gaz SUSPECT DEVICE, Rob POSITIVE CREED, some fella named Steve SCANNER and a whole load more. Other content such as reviews has of course suffered to make room for this venture but the out come is by far the best issue of this thus far. There's still a bit of wasted space (2 sides of A4 blank?) but things are now certainly moving in the right direction. Alex, Woodhouse, The Square, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9BW, UK
BEAT MOTEL, #3 (A5, 40 pages, £1+SASE) Three issues in, a lower page count than before but proof positive that quantity does not always represent quality. There's the usual heap of columns and contributions - with a visible improvement in quality - placed against the music content, which includes a short ANTI-FLAG interview, GINGER SLING, PHIL COLLINS 3, a piece on the Groez Rock festival, a heap of live reviews, some music and zine reviews and a piece on Queens Of The Stone Age. There's plenty of humour also, most of which works. Pretty good print job too, the text is really clear and easy to read with smart DTP layouts. Gotta say, some of the music stuff doesn't really appeal and it could be a little spikier in its delivery, but generally this is shaping up to be a neat little publication that seems to improve with each issue. 71 Rectory Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8EQ, UK crap@beatmotel.co.uk
BLACKPOOL ROX II, #9 (A4, 28 pages, £2.00+SASE) Easily the best issue I have seen of this so far. This is much more of a zine rather than the localised kinda newsletter that previous issues were. This features interviews with THE GREAT ST LOUIS, part one of a chat with the WEAKERTHANS, Steve Lake of ZOUNDS (which would have been awesome had it been longer), Jenny of the Holiday In The Sun festivals, and Anarchy In Hollywood which is a collective of Punks putting on free shows. On top of that you have a good mix of columns and guest writers, the usual reviews and track details of the free CD that comes with this issue. Andy’s knowledge of Punk Rock is pretty spot on and comprehensive while his writing is intelligent, witty, well considered, opinionated and pointed in its targets. The layouts in this issue are really sharp and well presented compared with previous issues and the print job is of a really high standard. The only negative is in the record reviews where about 40% are, for some reason, printed twice. That though is the only fault, so as a zine it’s a job well done. PO Box 1025, Blackpool, FY3 0FA, UK andy@jsntgm.com
CODEYE, #? (A5, 32 pages, £?) This has been around for a while now without ever really progressing beyond the basic presentation and content that this zine has always represented. There are only two interviews, a chat with Scotland’s RED EYES and Derby’s POUNDAFLESH. Both ask standard questions that probe little. The rest of the zine is made of live reviews, record and zine reviews. There’s a small bit of social commentary and that’s your lot. Not a zine to get excited about and certainly one that fails to inspire me, but for a quick read and no more than 50p at a live show, it’s OK. 23 Falkland Street, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS1 4JH, UK
DOGPRINTS, #5 (A4, 32 pages, 1IRC) This is about 90% zine and 10% mail-order leaflet for Yellow Dog Records. It’s good stuff too with an international lookout and stylish layouts. This issue sees interviews with the likes of PISSCHRIST, DRAFT DODGER and STRAIGHT JACKET (all Australian), THE SKEPTIX (old UK band now back together), VICTIMS (Sweden), EKKAIA (Spain), FRAMTID (Japan), Despotic Records (America) and more from Germany and The Netherlands + a SOON IN HERE (from Israel) tour diary from the band’s recent European tour. Musically, the zine seems to favour the Crustcore/D-Beat/HC side of things. There are no columns or reviews, no news or opinions bar those contained in the interviews – which I have to say, are pretty interesting. The layouts are great DTP jobs, but designed in a cut ‘n’ paste style with professional print quality. Certainly a zine to send for and who knows, you may find a corker on the Yellow Dog distro list also. Yellow Dog, PO Box 550208, 10372 Berlin, Germany dogprints@yellowdog.de
GADGIE, #19 (A5, 32 pages 50p+SASE) It's always a joy when the mighty GADGIE arrives. Editor Marv has gotta be one of the funniest writers in UK Zinedom and this packed issue continues that fine trait. Here you get a write up of a trip to Italy, more tales of a misspent youth, a great SEE YOU IN HELL interview, Room 101, boozing stories and many more rants about all kindsa subjects. There are the usual pointed, tell-it-like-it-is reviews of all things fast, thrashy, noisy and angry and a fantastic cover featuring Marv as a zombie. The only negative is an unhealthy obsession with football! Hey Marv - you were in Italy and STILL preoccupied with the footie results back home? Thankfully, Marv's writing is so lively and jocular on the subject that it's hard not to get involved - if at arm's length - in his obsession also. As ever, essential stuff that balances music and humour with stunning aplomb. Get it or die a dullard. PO Box 93, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 7YB, UK mrgadgie@hotmail.com
MASS MOVEMENT, #18 (A4, 80 pages, £2+SASE) Well, Tim has cranked out another issue of this monolithic slab of zineage and it's quite a corker. You get a mountain of interviews including ADOLESCENTS, CIRCLE JERKS, SPERMBIRDS, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, George Tabb and Jack Rabid among the many. There are pages of columnists (some with much to say, some with very little), even more pages of reviews and a neat, tell it like it is, no bullshit attitude. I still have trouble getting into the more Metal aspects of some of the zine, which kinda prevents this being held in the same regard as zines like ARTCORE and ZONKED but that also gives MM diversity and strength in originality. This issue also comes with a neat comic book - another streak of originality and one that is really well produced. Layouts are good, clear DTP jobs with a good standard of printing. I can't say much more about MM - it's just about the most reliable and regular quality read in the UK and with the US distribution deal the next issue has snagged, things will only get better. Tim, 12 West Street, Aberkenfig, Bridgend, CF32 9BB UK tim@mmzine.freeserve.co.uk
MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL, #259 (A4, 156 pages, $4+P&P) The mighty MRR really seems to be back on track these days. It seems to have a greater political and social voice than it seemed to have about 5 years ago, pretty much solely down to the ‘News’ pages. The review section has also condensed the old, space-wasting layout in favour of a sharper, concise design that not only saves space but is also much more pleasant for the eyes. This issue features Penelope Houston, formerly of SF’s great AVENGERS + Australia’s THE CRITICS, THE HATES, AI, BAD BUSINESS and a whole heap more. Still essential reading – although not something I get to see every month, more’s the pity. PO Box 460760, San Francisco, Ca 94146-0760, USA mrr@maximumrocknroll.com
NEXT STOP NOWHERE, #1 (A5, 56 pages, £2.00) This kinda came outta the blue! A new zine from Monk Dave, the man responsible for both Mad Monks and Fracture, and befitting the reputation of of those zines, this is another cracker. Dave’s writing has always been honest, intelligent and confrontational and always riveting. This is no different. Half the zine is taken up with a tour diary of BLACK COUGAR SHOCK UNIT on a six week sojourn across the US. Dave’s blunt honesty, intelligent observations and insights make this one of the best tour diaries I have read and the fact that there is serious in-van friction between BCSU’s Alex and everybody else makes it that much more addictive. Also, you get interviews with the record shop Damaged Records in Wales, Mark Bunker of xenutv.com and the Welsh band SOCIAL SKILLS. It’s all rounded out by some spot-on reviews and one of Dave’s always readable columns. What sets this apart from so many other zines, and Dave apart from so many other zinesters, is that there is a constant understanding that Punk Rock is more than JUST a music. The music stands together with the independent way of doing things - DIY - and this incorporates values, personal and political attitudes, opinions and a sense of unity and grassroots honesty that remains the exact polar opposite of mainstream attitudes. Add to this a fantastic print job that really compliments the sharp layouts and a brilliant wrap-around colour sleeve that totally emphasizes the sentiments of the tour diary and you are looking at the best new zine to come outta the UK since... Fracture I guess. Essential reading. To purchase (and I think you really, really should), hit www.thenewestindustry.com
PUNK SHOCKER, #11 (A5, 72 pages, £1.50+SASE) This zine inspired me, yet depressed also. I haven’t seen a copy of this since about #5, which featured CITIZEN FISH, getting on for a decade ago. I’m not sure why as I enjoyed that issue, but for some reason I never traded zines with Andy when I did Scanner in print form. Punk Shocker was always one that seemed to get away from me - and it was a grave mistake cuz this is, quite simply, fucking brilliant. It’s also the last issue, which is a crying shame. This is packed full with reviews, comment and some of the best interviews I have read in an age; they are informative and witty and respect the interviewee without resorting to butthole licking. This issue features a superb chat with Jerry outta POISON IDEA, another stunner with Stig from ICONS OF FILTH (so inspirational in fact that I had to dig out my old IOF records) plus SENSE YUMA and THE GITS. The reviews are pointed, informed, well written and, once again, witty. The highlight of the whole zine though is Andy’s finale to the issue where he vents his spleen on all that has corrupted, commercialised and compromised Punk, along with all that is still positive and vibrant. It’s a great piece of writing and worth the cover charge on its own. The print job is really sharp, the layouts are stylish cut ‘n’ paste jobs and the whole zine overflows with such sincerity that it puts 90% of zines to shame. Reading this really, really made me want to get back to doing a printed zine. It’s totally inspirational, heartfelt, well-versed and stylish. Initial issues come with a POISON IDEA poster and postcard. There are a few copies of the previous issue left too. Awesome, fucking awesome… Andy, P.O. Box I.T.A, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1TA, UK
SUSPECT DEVICE, #48 (56 pages, A4, £1.50+P&P) The SD machine just rolls on and as ever this is another of Tony and Gaz’s customary examples of everything that is good about Punk Rock. These guys really know the difference between THE shit and the bullshit. The writing exudes enthusiasm and the guys’ background and knowledge of Punk Rock shines through without any sense of pretension or jaded ‘seen-it-all’ apathy. This whopper of an issue offers up interviews with PHOENIX FOUNDATION, YOU ME AND THE ATOM BOMB, Danny Leigh (ex-SLEEP), THE STEAL, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION JACKSON, HANK JONES and more. This is added to by a fantastic write up of the early Dorset Punk Scene, the obligatory reviews section, a bunch of neat columns and a pretty sharp print job. It should also be noted that Gaz’s wife, Helen, very sadly and suddenly passed away during the making of this issue. My condolences go out to Gaz - it must have been a hellish period mate. Always a zine to read and always one you can rely on. PO Box 295, Southampton, SO17 1LW, UK suspectdevicehq@hotmail.com
THIRSK FIRST, #1 (A5, 40 pages, 50p+SASE) Hugely impressive debut issue from some experienced zinesters here. The guys behind this zine used to be behind Small Sailor and My God Can Beat Up Your God zines and between them they have compiled a thoughtful, interesting and entertaining zine. You get interviews with THE FOAMERS, THE MINGERS and artist Kristen Ferrell, the obligatory (but honest) reviews and a selection of columns most of which hit the mark (although Fat Jim’s really wasn’t really worth the time I took to read it). Layouts are snappy and busy cut ‘n’ paste jobs – possibly similar to early issues of Real Overdose – with sharp print quality. There’s a really good, direct feel about the whole zine – kinda refreshing for a debut issue. The guys have already found the personality of the zine mixing music with politics, comment, honesty and humour. It’s apparent they know what they are talking about too, although Aaron does come off as rather jaded sometimes – although that is not always a bad thing! PO Box 132, Thirsk, YO7 1WR, UK
UNBELIEVABLY BAD, #1 (A4, 60 pages, AUS$5) Oh yeah - this is my kinda zine!! This guy can surely identify a myriad of good sounds when he hears them. TURBONEGRO leap out at ya from the cover and have a couple of interviews inside along with Ian MacKaye, AGAINST ME!, Ed Kuepper, HOT SNAKES and a great HARD ONS tour diary. The reviews are pretty spot on too. Beside all the interviews you get great little asides like Forgotten Albums, news pages, films, freaks, humour, attitude and honesty. The print job and layouts are awesome too; most definitely DTP but with an eye-catching craziness that harks back to the best of cut 'n' paste zines. Don't be fooled into thinking this is the guy's first foray into zineage either; it's my guess he's done previous zines and, given his knowledge of decent music and 'I'm right, you're wrong' attitude, he's been at them a few years. AND, not only do you get this zine for the cover price but also a 19-track comp CD featuring goodies like BEASTS OF BOURBON, GAZOONGA ATTACK, GROUP SEIZURE and BLOOD DUSTER. The mark of a good zine is one that captivates from page one and you can't put it down until the final page. The mark of a great zine is one that captivates from page one, that you can't put down until the final page and THEN you go back and re-read it - frequently. This is the latter. C/- Von Helle HQ, 10 Unwin Street, Bexley, NSW 2207, AUSTRALIA unbelievablybad@optusnet.com.au
UNFIT FOR CONSUMPTION, #9 (A4, 40 pages, £1.50ppd) Another packed issue flying its way out of Ireland. This zine has such a good vibe about it - the interviews are incisive, focused and pointed; the reviews display good taste and an intimate knowledge of Punk, HC and Metal; the concentrated focus on what is happening in Ireland itself gives it a great localised sensibility. This issue sees interviews with the mighty LEATHERFACE plus AGAINST ME!, CONVERGE, NEBULA and more. There are a lot of contributors in this issue too, offering all kinds of columns, Top 10s and animations. What always makes UFC stand out for me though is Editor Trev’s eye for design. The layouts are really sharp and inventive without being cluttered or fanciful for the sake of it. This is epitomised by this issue’s cover - just a photo of Frankie Stubbs but accompanied by graphics of the other featured bands, a few deftly placed linear arrows and astute use of text. That trait continues through the zine making each page visually enticing as well as being packed with informative writing. I’m lead to believe the next issue is going to be the last, which is a great pity. So do yourself a favour, get in touch with Trev and catch this while you can. You won’t regret it. For the postal address, you had best E-mail Trev as he has just moved to Cork. E-mail:- trevmeehan@hotmail.com
WHAT WE DO IS SECRET, #4 Vol.1 (A4, 40 pages, free in Australia) Once you get past the fact this is named after a GERMS song, the first thing you notice is the bad acid trip of a cover!! Even stranger is the fact it's some kinda graphic of Darby Crash!? I guess you have to employ some kinda lateral observation technique here. As for the rest of the zine, it's a professional newsprint job with neat, slick layouts and great photo reproduction. This issue sees pieces on Nathan Gray, Agents of Abhorrence, Toxic Lipstick and, of most interest to me, VITAMIN X. The usual substance of zines fill this out - more art, reviews, columns, opinion etc. There's an interesting piece on Darby Crash too. Somehow though, it doesn't quite gel with me as much as I assumed a zine named after a GERMS song would. I thought - hoped even - that this was gonna be way more abrasive in terms of attitude and direction. I had to read it in several short sittings as it didn't hold my attention in protracted sittings. Good stuff for a freebie though! Level 2, 73 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, VIC AUSTRALIA 3065 wearesecret@gmail.com
ZONKED, #9 (A4, 38 pages, £1+SASE) Once again, ZONKED! delivers the goods. It's such a consistently good read and Peter has a virtual encyclopedic knowledge of so much great music. This issue sees interviews with FOUR LETTER WORD, THE OBSERVERS and SLAUGHTERHOUSE 57. What sets ZONKED! apart though are Peter's own travel pieces that always take him off the beaten track. You won't find any stories here about sipping cocktails by the pool of a 5-star holiday complex. Nope, these are tales of traveling through the wilds of Namibia and cycling a rigorous section of the Tour De France. Both pieces made awesome reads, but the Namibia piece is exceptional with music asides appearing in the informative text. Then, on top of all that, you have the best reviews of any UK zine: informed, honest, witty and enthusiastic (at least about the stuff that deserves enthusiasm!). The opinions are never preachy or patronizing as some zines are - just spot-on and honest. Layouts are basic with good photos and there are a couple of guest writers too. I really cannot say enough good things about ZONKED!; it always delivers a scintillatingly good read, always tells me something I didn't know and always leaves me wanting more. C'mon Peter - where's #10? 46 Ashford Road, Brighton, BN1 6LJ, UK pete.zonked@btinternet.com