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

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 Email  

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 Email 

FEAR AND LOATHING, #63 (A4, 40 pages, £2+SASE) An always highly-recommended read this. Andy has been doing this zine for as long as I can remember and thankfully he retains the same zeal for good music as ever. The format has remained pretty constant. It's written in diary format, documenting all the shows Andy attends. There are also interviews - this issue features CHANNEL 3, JOHNNY MOPED, EATER, UNDERTONES, UK SUBS and a particularly funny/ bizarre one with BAD BRAINS where Dr. Know continually goes on about how ‘The Father’ is responsible for all the band does and guides them subconciously!! Sounds like a man who should have been 'Banned From RE'! The zine is finished off with some spot on record reviews. Layouts are all cut ‘n’ paste style - possibly quite bland to those only used to flashy digitally produced pages - but, as with ‘Zonked’, the real strength of this zine is in Andy’s knowledge of music and, generally, exceptional taste. His interviews appear well-researched and insightful usually drawing the best out of his subjects. Genuine, sincere stuff from a man who knows what’s smoking as opposed to what’s merely simmering. Definitely one to check out. Andy, 17 Medway Avenue, Witham, Essex, CM8 1TF, UK Email  

GADGIE, #24 (A5, 32 pages, £1+SASE) Incidental mischievousness and general jolly japery return once more in the form of what has become known as Gadgie. In this issue, Marv takes us to Scotland in a bid (well, his daughter’s at least) to find the infamous Loch Ness Monster – unsurprisingly Marv finds beer! Elsewhere we get some graphic accounts of Marv’s footballing injuries (which reasserts my belief that football {or any other contact sport} is not something to be ‘tackled’ on a hung-over Sunday morning), the usual news round-up of what’s happening at the Emo cavern that is the Boston Indian Queen, some mis-heard lyrics and a neat Room 101 section. Highlight of this issue is the continuing history of Boston Punk Rock that features a good interview with Aston of Boss Tuneage Records which morphs into the early-mid 90s and the departed Jas Toomer. The usual zine and music reviews round out what is another excellent issue of one of the most original, entertaining and distinctly Punk Rock zines around. Photo reproduction leaves a little to be desired but Gadgie has never been about layouts over substance. Debbie Harry (looking great by the way) adorns the cover with a Pistolian ransom letter font. Why? Dunno but who cares??!! The back page is given over to triple-barreled Shakespearian insults while Marv’s opening Editorial berates those who complain about the smoking ban. Good words and supported 100% by all at the House Of Scanner. PO Box 93, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 7YB, UK  Email

GIVE ME BACK, #5 (A4, 64 newsprint pages, US$1.50) First issue I have seen of this and I like it. It’s probably a lazy comparison to make, but aesthetically it reminds me a lot of HeartAttack. Interviews, which generally feature intelligent, probing questions, are with PYGMYLUSH, the excellent NEXT VICTIM and DEAD FRIENDS, KIMYA DAWSON and artist Sean Mahan. The array of columnists offer a broad range of subject matter and are actually articulate and interesting in what they have say. I particularly enjoyed Stephen Pierce’s piece questioning where the voice of contention was in the Punk Rock community during the Bush Years (at least, when compared with those of Reagan’s administration) and Julia Booze’s column on her ambivalence toward a public masturbator! Layouts are balanced, focused and have something of a MRR style about them – especially the interviews. The review section looks stylish as is inter-spred with photos rather than the tried-and-tested record cover format. The reviewers seem to know their stuff too. Five issues in and already very impressive indeed. PO Box 73691, Washington DC 20056, USA Email

IN IT ON IT, #19 (A5, 28 pages, 50p+SASE) It’s great to see this still going; I remember getting earlier issues while doing Scanner in print in the UK. IN IT ON IT is an enjoyable, if bitter and cynical read. Editor Paul pulls no punches when it comes to venting his wrath and his targets stretch far and wide and he nearly always finds his aim! What Paul has on his side though, is a neat cutting humour that lifts the zine outta what could be page after page of negativity and moaning. When he does write informative pieces (like the article about his obsession with horror films [which brought back a few memories for me also]) they flow well and demonstrate another angle of what’s happening in Paul’s head. Also, he has a pretty choice taste in music as interviews in this issue include DEADLINE, BONESPLINTER and the generally fantastic MDC. The review section also shows honesty a-plenty and good taste in tuneage. You don’t get any flash layouts, very few pics – just lots of opinion, contacts, wit and contemptuous mockery! Marvellous!! 10 Regents Court, Princes Street, Peterborough, Cambs, PE1 2QR, UK. Email 

LIGHTS GO OUT, #5 (A5, 32 pages, £1.00+SASE) First issue of this impressive zine I have seen. There’s a friendly, conversational attitude that Editor, Mr. T, has instilled between the covers – be it the columns, reviews or even the interviews. This issue sees chats with THURSDAY, FIGHT LIKE APES, REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN, LOSTBOYFOUND, some dude who used to be in way over-rated Ska creatures KING PRAWN and Karyn Parsons who was in The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air apparently. The questions seem to follow the standard format, are never too in-depth and work well for newer bands in particular. The reviews are good – they are honest and don’t wallow in pretentiousness. Mr T seems to know his stuff although I found some of reviewer Claire’s warblings rather naïve. Layouts are simple and effective with a nice small font to cram lots in while the print job is sharp, highly contrasted and clear. The columns were good (if a little unfocused in a couple) and generally this reminded me of early issues of Charred Remains. Not a bad thing at all if you remember the classic that was CR. My BIG criticism though is no postal address, which is something essential to promote in your zine – especially in the print format. Email. Web.

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 Email 

PLOPPY PANTS #7 (A5, 40 pages, £1+SASE) Excellent cut ‘n’ paste zine which emphasizes the independent, DIY side of Punk. This issue is a bit of a D-Beat special featuring the likes of AVSKUM, UNHOLY GRAVE, AGATHOCLES and a great chat with Agitate Zine plus THE WANKYS, FUCT OFF and TRIOXIN 245. Amidst all the interviews are a load of zine reviews, DIY demo reviews and some article-style pieces that are mainly witty asides that - for the most part - are actually funny, juxtaposed against more serious political diatribes. Keeping the D-Beat alive further still is a neat piece about the obsessiveness of those who mindlessly ape DISCHARGE. It’s well-printed, the layouts do not fall off the page, it has some neat little drawings dotted throughout and was a really enjoyable zineage readage. Not too keen on the title, but a lot of the interviews and humour (particularly the visual side) do reflect the zine’s title giving it a striking identity!! Good stuff - and only issue #7 - roll on #8!! Roddy Neithercut, Sabhal Mor Ostaig Sleat, An T-Eilean, Sgitheanagh, IV44 8RQ, Scotland, UK. Email 

PROFANE EXISTENCE, #57 (A4, 84 pages, US$5+P&P) Looking at this (and the previous issue) of PE, it’s great to see it looking so good. Although a sweeping generalisation, the zine represents the Anarcho, Crust, HC side of Punk Rock. This issue has interviews with WARCOLLAPSE, AGAINST EMPIRE, MAN THE CONVEYORS, ARMISTICE and KURSK. PE has never been just about music though and this has a big feature on the ‘Welcoming Committee’ for the Republican National Convention plus great articles on the SHAC7 activists, an exceptional piece on the Attica Prison riot, an interview with the Marie Mason Support Group, the Green Scare and a bunch of vegan recipes. That doesn’t include the columns which are of a high standard generally, some spot-on review pages and the massive free CD that each issue comes with. On a rather alarming note, having read Dan’s column it seems that finances at this bastion of Punk Rock independence are not too healthy. The record label side of the organisation seems to be struggling also, so where that leaves the long-term outlook for label and zine no one rightly knows. So, unless you are really desperate to see the Blink 18turd reformation, check out the PE website, subscribe to the zine and buy some sounds. If we don’t support the likes of PE it will be another nail in the coffin of the once-crucial Punk Rock Press. PO Box 18051, Minneapolis, MN 55418, USA Web Email

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

RIOT 77, #12 (A4, 52 pages, €3+SASE) When I was in the UK, doing the print version of Scanner, this was an incredibly impressive read. Looking at this issue, the only thing that has changed is the fact that it has got better! One of the highlights of this zine is the exceptional layout and print quality. It’s a really professional looking (and feeling) zine and the interviews, the questions of which are probing and attempt some insight into the subject matter, are among the best you will read in zinedom. This issue features legends like DOA, DWARVES, SUBHUMANS (Canada) and lesser luminaries like LEGENDARY SHACK SHAKERS, SLACKERS, THE THREAT (written by STEAM PIG bassist and Nosebleed zinester Boz) and STREETDOGS. There are several pages of excellent show reviews - written in diary form much like Fear ‘n’ Loathing - that incorporate wit with the sense of atmosphere of the reviewed show, and the expected DVD/ music reviews are in-depth, knowledgeable and generally on the ball. But, as before, I feel this would benefit massively from some columns or even a simple editorial from Editor Cian, just to break up the run of music upon music and allowing the reader to assess some of Cian’s personal politics and traits. Another small cripe is the fact there are no zine reviews - we get book reviews, but the lack of support from a zine for other zines seems a little odd to me. Minor moans I agree, especially as the rest of the zine is of such a high standard, but two omissions that prevent this zine becoming something exceptional as opposed to merely ‘very good’. 31 St. Patricks Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland Email 

RIPPING THRASH #25/ HELL AND DAMNATION #12 (A5, 48 pages, 60p/$1 +SASE) Two long-running and well respected UK zines come together as one – and it’s an apt pairing as both editors have a similar outlook (ie – total commitment to DIY ideals) and matching tastes in music (ie – solid Hardcore [with an emphasis on the Scandinavian Europe variety], D-beat, Anarcho Punk and Crust). The RT half features a really good interview with Chris of Agitate/ Aversion zines, Hungarian Punks STEP ON IT and Active Rebellion Distro. H&D interviews Norwegian ragers VI GRUER OSS and Japanese thrashers NK6. This half also includes a massive feature on Zombie Movies and articles on illegal immigrants and climate change. Both zines are filled out with spot-on reviews and a no-bullshit editorial. Layouts are clean and sharp, the RT side has some great photos while H&D incorporates a lot of Colin’s artwork. Thankfully the print job is top notch allowing both a depth and clarity other zines often lack. Both zines delve into the political and social aspects of their interviewees and both carry a conscience of kicking against something rather than merely accepting the status quo. If your idea of a quality zine is one that is political, outspoken and sussed AND features unrelenting HC Punk on a world-level (GAUZE, ANTI CIMEX etc) then look no further. Steve Ripping Thrash, PO Box 152, Burton-On-Trent, Staffs, DE14 1XX, UK Email Ripping Thrash  Colin Hell and Damnation, 22 Burns Villas, Stainforth, Doncaster, DN7 5DP, UK Email Hell And Damnation 

SHRAPNEL, #4 (A5, 24 pages, $3+SASE) The first thing that hits you about the latest issue of this Kiwi zine is the marked improvement in cover graphics, giving the zine a much more polished appearance than previous issues. Interviews this time around include grind merchants MAGRUDERGRIND, FILTHY LUCIFER and Kiwi artist Samphetamine. A contact address (electronic or physical) at the end of the interview would be a bonus. Besides that, there is the usual eclectic mix of politics and humour that makes Shrapnel so appealing. This time around you have a piece on trade tables and the Auckland zine fest, some recipes (including a goodie for Nut Burgers that went down very well), a few pages on unionizing action in schools, a couple of pages on vivisection and animal testing in New Zealand, and a few pages of reviews. Layouts are still an anarchic cut ‘n’ paste mix with little space wasted, although the vivisection article appeared to have a little more formatting which in turn made it a little more accessible. Each issue of this seems to provoke a little more thought than the previous, which is surely the aim of any publication, and can only be further steps in the right direction. Write: 31/2 Fancourt St, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072, New Zealand Email  

SUSPECT DEVICE, #50/ ZONKED #11 (60 pages, A4, £1.50+P&P) Two of the very best zines in the UK join forces and create this simply wonderful split zine. The pages are intermingled, so there’s no strict ‘Zonked-half’ or ‘SD-half’ and that works great as both zines and their respective editors have been involved in this Punk thing for many years, they all are dedicated zinesters and all realize the difference between the bull shit and THE shit! Interviews include NO CHOICE, THE DISRUPTERS and a fantastic interview with CAREER SUICIDE that sees them facing questions from both zines. Throw in some columns, some so-spot-on-reviews-it-hurts (if only for the likes of I AM GHOST but you get what you deserve you mild-mannered bunch of turds), some excellent photography and a fascinating tour diary of Pete Zonked’s trip to Tel Aviv and you already have a riveting read. What really makes this (and both zines individually) so great is the total down-to-earth realism expressed; these guys don’t need to score any ‘scene coolness points’ or feel any desire to inflate their own ego as various others do. What you have here is just an honest desire to promote the genuine DIY Punk scene by some of the most knowledgeable people in the field you are ever likely to meet. Layouts are crisp and stylish while the print job is as good as any you will see. Highly recommended!!  Zonked, 46 Ashford Road, Brighton, BN1 6LJ, UK Email Zonked  Suspect Device, 9 Lexby Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9HB, UK Email Suspect Device 

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 

THIS IS BOSTON. NOT BOSTON (A5, 40 pages £1+SASE) For the geographically challenged, that’s Boston, Lincolnshire, not Boston, MA. The zine is actually a conglomeration of Boston zinesters, specifically Marv Gadgie (and it has to be said, this looks and reads exactly like an issue of the  frivolous craziness that is Gadgie), Cookie Itchy Bum, Paul InItOnIt and Dan Ugly Man Punk Rock among others. Each contributor waxes lyrical with blunt directness about traveling, Punk Rock, boozing, pisstaking and general hilarity. Most interestingly are the memories and thoughts on events in Boston and, specifically, the town’s leading venue, the infamous Indian Queen (the centrespread is a fantastically well drawn who’s-who of Boston) including – and most tellingly – a few non-Bostonites. A few to-the-point reviews pad this out. The whole idea behind the zine is inspired. By their nature, zines reflect what’s going on in a locale, but this doubles as a historical overview, multi-split zine and scene report PLUS it’s a cracker of a Punk Rock publication in its own right. Not sure of the main postal address, but I’m sure you can get a copy direct from Marv at PO Box 93, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 7YB, UK  Email

TNS FANZINE, #6 (A5, 24 pages, free+SASE) Latest issue of what is becoming a stunningly regular cool freebie. This is a feature issue promoting the recently released TNS double CD comp, ‘Mainstream Music Is Shit’. You get lots of brief, introductory interviews with bands on said CD including HOSTILES, RISING STRIKE and JUST ADD MONSTERS amongst others. There are also a few rants about such matters as Battle of the Bands competitions, TNS shows, and hitting the grand age of 30! Haha – that brings back memories of various UK zinesters who all hit 30 around the same time which is now over 10 years ago! Thankfully most of them (us!) are still involved in this Punk thang now. There’s the second part of advice for budding new bands and, of course, some record reviews. Layouts are quite stylish this time around and it all seems to be printed on top quality paper. I suppose a ‘critic’ could imply there’s too much TNS self promotion to make this a ‘credible’ zine… But think about it fuck-wit, this is FREE and sincere. It gets my thumps-up all round. My usual moaning about the lack of a postal address is, um…. addressed... and generally this continues to impress, as does the collective that puts it together. Email 

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 Email 

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. Email