Zines: The Power Of Words - Don't Take Them For Granted
ARTCORE, #25 (A4, 40 pages, £5+SASE) Before anyone has a gripe with the price of £5 for a 40-page zine, please remember two things. First, ARTCORE is the best Punk Rock read currently doing the rounds. The layouts are so sharp they could cut the throat of any chart-Punk weenbag at 10 paces and Welly’s writing is informed, honest and caustic. Secondly, this comes with the blazing ‘Pavlov’s Dog’ 7” from BEEF PEOPLE. Fact is my friends, £5 is a bargain price for this. So, contents of the zine? You get first-rate interviews with OFF WITH THEIR HEADS, VIOLENT ARREST, DOUBLE NEGATIVE, writer Aimee Cooper and Jeff Nelson (don’t know who he is? Google it!!). Then you have what is always an ARTCORE highlight – the Vaultage section. This issue has articles on THE NUNS, RIPCORD (from Ian Glasper’s soon-due UKHC book), an excellent piece on the early Lookout! Records roster, some killer photos on the centre spread and a few guest writers highlighting some choice vintage 7”s. I’ve yet to mention the opening editorial or the Daily Terrorgraph section where Welly vents political cynicism or Dan McKee’s column or the spot-on and scathing-where-it-has-to-be review section! You want MORE?? I’ve saved the best until last – a US Tour Diary of FOUR LETTER WORD and OFF WITH THEIR HEADS from October 2007. An awesome read – as is the whole zine. Just stylistically, there is more effort and thought put into this than 99% of other zines you will ever see. ARTCORE was always a huge inspiration on Scanner and with each successive issue Welly just makes the zine better. Absolutely essential reading. 1 Aberdulais Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff, CF14 2PH, UK
BALD CACTUS, #26 (A5, 32 pages, 50p+SASE) How pleasing it is to see that BALD CACTUS is still so refreshingly eclectic and witty. This is the zine’s 20th anniversary issue and, to commemorate the momentous event, editor Andy has a give-away with the zine. A comp CD? A vinyl 7”? A badge even? No to all of those. With this issue you get a free TEABAG!! Inspired stuff and totally fitting with Andy’s sense of humour. As usual, the pages of the zine are full of witty verbalisms, informed knowledge on great music and neat cut ‘n’ paste layouts. This issue sees interviews with INNER TERRESTRIALS, SOCIAL PARASITES, FUCK WITH FIRE, the always readable Dick Lucas of SUBHUMANS/ CITIZEN FISH and a three page piece from Pete Wright, formally of CRASS. The reviews are spot on too while the articles Andy writes can be both reflective (a historical piece about the Duchess of York in Leeds), scathing (a piece about scabs at Andy’s workplace) and hilarious (just about all of them!). I really rated the ‘Top Trumps’ gig reviews too! Inspired work!! Gotta commend the piece about smoking at gigs too – who fucking needs it? Easily one of my favourite zines around and, given Andy’s witty and slightly surreal outlook, it’s one of the most original out there – even after 20 years. More power to your pen, Andy! 145-149 Cardigan Road, Leeds, LS6 1LJ, UK. E-mail:- baldcactus@gmail.com
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
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 andyfnl@talktalk.net
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
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
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
MYSTEREX, #4 (A4, 64 pages, NZ$12ppd) As always, an absolutely essential zine documenting the rich history of Kiwi Punk Rock and alternative music. The big feature in this issue is a massive 20+ page piece by Wade Churton focusing on the scene in Christchurch in the early 80s, and specifically that which revolved around the Gladstone venue. It’s an informed, witty, engrossing and occasionally scathing piece that frequently took the reader right into the situations being written about. Other great reads are articles on Auckland’s THE FEATURES, BILL DIREEN and POP MECHANIX. On top of that there are further pieces about the worst of Flying Nun Records and a terrific write-up about a New Year’s Eve show at New Plymouth in 1982. Then you have various flyers, some great photos, snippets of news, a liberal sprinkling of humour, a top notch print job and sharp, clean layouts. New Zealand should feel very fortunate that it has a group as dedicated and as knowledgeable as the Mysterex crowd to archive this formative period of hugely influential music. The whole zine exudes dedication and sincerity. You only need to quickly flick through the pages to know that an awful lot of work goes into each issue of this; a more in-depth analysis of the contents reveals a genuine gem. Email Editor Andrew here.
NEGATIVE REACTION, #11 (A4, 56 pages, £2+SASE) This issue celebrates 25 years of editor Trev’s contribution to Punk Rock zineage. If you don’t know the deal with Trev (who used to do the excellent Have A Good Laugh zine), he’s vocal in his support of the British Conservative Party, writes pages of glowing prose about Good Charlotte, has an aversion to swearing and is generally quite a timid fella. Get the picture? Well, imagine the exact opposite of all that and you’ll appreciate Trev’s direction even more. "25 Years of Shite" proudly states the zine’s cover and inside you get interviews with OI POLLOI (always good reading), ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER, 4-SKINS. MURDER JUNKIES and JONNY DONGEL. The reviews are to-the-point (painfully for some who get the proverbial Negative Reaction) while the asides and article-style pieces display a savage hate of the Tories (politicians in general in fact), the Royals, rich bastards, chavs, cops, TV... The more I think about it, the less I see wrong with Trev’s line of thought!! Trev’s wit is great too - why beat about the bush with cryptic put downs when a simple word (like Cunt for example) works equally well? Layouts are pretty basic, but clear and compact. Great stuff generally - you won’t find many zines as honest or direct as this - and for that Trev should be applauded. One negative action though - no postal address! Write: Trevhagl@yahoo.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
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. dirty_little-punk@hotmail.com
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 riot77magazine@hotmail.com
SHRAPNEL, #3 (A5, 20 pages, $2+SASE) Bloody hell - #3 already? I never even got a chance to review #2! Good work Icky!! Third issues are usually pivotal in foreseeing where a zine is heading and it’s good to see things are heading in the right direction for SHRAPNEL. The page count is down but the quality is up with this issue’s interviews being Hamilton Punks THE BLUDGERS and political cartoonist Polyp, which has to be the best interview the zine has ran so far. Filling out the pages from there is a range of articles including pieces on Skinhead culture, stereotypes, capitalism, a few poems (which, no matter what, always get a thumbs-down from me when in zines), some zine reviews and a neat centre spread animation from Polyp entitled ‘Rock Star Kidnap’. Nothing gets too heavy or dogmatic, and the odd wry comment is never far away. Visually, it’s compact with less wasted space. The layouts are developing beyond the scrappy cut ‘n’ paste stylings of the debut issue with much more thought seemingly being applied to the aesthetic side of the zine. If there is a criticism, it’s only the fact that I would like to see more opinion about music. Write: 31b Salisbury Road, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626, New Zealand letswatchthesunrisefromunderthesea@hotmail.com
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
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 mrgadgie@hotmail.com
TNS FANZINE, #5 (A5, 24 pages free+SASE) Easily the best issue so far of this regular freebie – if only because there are additional contributors (who actually say something and can write in formatted sentences) and, for the first time I can recall, interviews with bands that are unrelated to the TNS Recs roster. Among the contributions and articles are decent pieces on the rip-off prices of mainstream festivals, some ethics on etiquette for bands and how best to interact with DIY promoters, an open-minded observation at a vegetarian diet and a piece on the Strummercamp Festival. Interviewed bands include LOS SALVADORES, Yank rockers ZEKE and SENSE OF URGENCY. Add on some (albeit all very positive) reviews, snippets of news and TNS-related releases, and a chuckle-worthy ‘Tour Challenge’ focusing on TNS bands and you’re looking at an enthusiastic, positive publication from a team who are actively involved in range of aspects of this thing we call Punk Rock. Layouts are still basic cut ‘n’ paste jobs but nothing falls off the edge of the paper and all is readable – although a little more effort could’ve been put into the cover of this issue! But, once again – NO POSTAL ADDRESS thatsnotskanking@hotmail.com
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