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Zines: The Power of Words - Don't Take 'em For Granted

Microcosm Publishing, 2752 N Williams Ave, Portland, Oregon 97227, USA. WEB

ARTCORE #40 (A4, 40 pages, £7.00+P&P) Welly’s been pushing this out for 35 years now - that’s some incredible dedication and, what’s even better, is that this remains a totally engrossing read on every level. This is quite a stunner too as you have interviews with STRIKE ANYWHERE, DIAZ BROTHERS, DEALING WITH DAMAGE and VICIOUS RUMOURS among others while the Vaultage section includes an unpublished interview with JAWBREAKER from 1991, ICONOCLAST, SEPTIC DEATH and a ten-page look at the history of Swedish Hardcore from Helge Schreiber. Not only that, you get a reissue of N.O.T.A.’S ‘Moscow’ 7” fully remixed, remastered and sounding stunning while the sleeve is a mini-zine in itself - you get a download too. Add on the usual cutting and insightful reviews (including some MP3 downloads - must be a first for Artcore?), Welly’s editorial (which makes some great points about this Punk community and the importance and ever increasing scarcity of the printed zine) and a layout that surpasses any other zine you’ll see and, well, do I need say it again? This is the best that’s out there. I’ve said this before, but every issue of this I find not just inspiring but educational as well. I always learn something new and always discover at least one new band I need to check out. Long may Artcore continue. Copies may still be available at the time of writing from Boss Tuneage. (25.03.21) EMAIL WEB



GADGIE #42 (A5, 28 pages, PDF, free) Marvellous Marv over at Gadgie Towers is on a creative roll during this COVID-19 lockdown it seems. Y’see, this is the second PDF Gadgie he’s cranked out in about a month (in fact, four in four months... You got a stash of speed at Gadgie HQ, Marv?) and, as always, it’s a riot of Punk Rock, football, films and reminiscences of halcyon days gone by - and it’s all delivered in Marv’s unique, witty and frequently sarcastic writing. Something that the PDF format does allow is a splash of colour; Gadgie has always had a basic layout - two columns, text and a few black and white graphics - nowt wrong with that given the writing is so strong. That hasn’t changed, but the odd splash of colour from movie stills and the Frank Spencer cover does make it a tad more eye-catching. Among the subjects dissected in courageous Gadgie candor are a bit of Marv’s employment history as a supply teacher, the 1985 film Better Off Dead and contributions from Paul Initonit (Horror films), Douglas Ritchie (lost Punk classics) and record collecting with Mr T from Lights Go Out zine. And then there are Marv’s reviews of all that is fast and noisy. If you’ve never seen a copy of one of the best and longest-running zines the UK can offer, this freebie is an ideal introduction - then you can buy some back issues ya tight bastard!! Facebook should get ya the link. (30.08.20) EMAIL WEB


NO EXPOSURE, #4 (A5, 52 pages, AUS$3+P&P) This Australian zine is rapidly becoming one of my favourites. It’s got a great attitude; editor Alex has plenty of knowledge on what makes Punk Rock good and vital and writes with a direct bluntness and honesty that’s refreshing and very readable. The last 20 pages or so of this are taken up with photography with a multitude of bands cranking the jams live in Perth. They’re clear, up close and the print reproduction is good. Elsewhere there is a rather epic interview with NIGHTBIRDS (11 pages), a great (and thoroughly deserved) retrospective on the BLOODY GEARS, a bunch of gig and record reviews, a bit of a dig a CAREER SUICIDE who fucked about with an interview, a look at re-recorded albums and their superior predecessors (SUBHUMANS (Canada), YOUTH BRIGADE, CROMAGS) and probably my favourite part of the zine, Alex’s editorial. I said above his writing is direct and very readable and it’s here that it is strongest. Printing is good, text is done on a typewriter but the layouts remain sharp and crisp. Recommended in every way. (29.06.18)

OUR FUTURE, Vol I Issue III (A5, 24 pages, £1.50+P&P) Third issue already from this theme-based zine. As with previous issues (#2 focused on ‘Grave New Word’era DISCHARGE), this takes a detailed look at Leicester, England based Hardcore band THE WANKYS. Have to say, I know little of the band but this zine fills in everything anyone would need to know. You get an interview with the vocalist (Mr Wanky), a look at the Downtown Noise Punker CD-r collection series, an interview with the drummer Mr Beat Meat, label honcho Dan McGregor of SPHC Records and also Bunta who created the band’s icon, Wankerman. Throw in graphics including photos, ads, record sleeve and even an A3 tour poster for the band’s UK tour with MOB 47 and this is as complete an introduction to the world of THE WANKYS as you can imagine. Layouts are clear and well printed (on shiny paper no less!) with great photo reproduction. Given Editor Rodney does this so frequently, and co-ordinates the Our Future record label, it would easy to imagine these zines are a bit half-hearted. How wrong that would be though as these are in-depth, delving and, most importantly, entertaining. Inspirational and unique. (29.06.18) EMAIL WEB

Microcosm Publishing, 2752 N Williams Ave, Portland, Oregon 97227, USA. WEB

TAKING THE LANE, #14: BIKEQUITY Money, Class & Bicycling (4.25"x6.5", 126 pages, $9.95+P&P) This crosses the border between zine and book really, at least aesthetically. If you are looking for music, you’re out of luck also as this is primarily about bicycling, gender and class - and includes a recipe. It’s not all from the one view point either as this is a multi-perspective collection of essays/ columns from 18 different contributors, the most notable being Microcosm founder, Joe Biel. There are some points of interest but I have to confess, it’s not the kind of reading I got a major kick out of. I appreciate cycling is an equalizer and cyclists are passionate about it, and I certainly appreciate the social and political aspects that are put forward - and if you’re a full-on cyclist, this could be for you. I’m not and found some of it a bit laboured. It’s solidly bound, looks good with a full colour cover and carries its message well. (29.06.18)
Elly Blue C/o Microcosm Publishing, 2752 N Williams Ave, Portland, Oregon 97227, USA. WEB