| RIOT ON YOUR OWN #22 February 2006 *** Billy Riot's currently chucking these out every 3 months! And Riot On Your Own maybe lacking the finesse of other less frequent reads. But this bag of spanners still manages to entertain us, even when the space fillers (check out the dubious photo shop art in the centrespread) are more evident in this issue. But this is FREE fer fucks sake, and it deserves to be read by a wider audience. Riot On Your Own is rough but has me in stitches every time. This is a labor of love and its written from the heart by a blaggard and thats good enough for me! This edition's front cover stars are 1000 Drunken Nights who look positively ghoulish in spikes and Halloween face paint. They've also just released a much improved demo featuring 'Downtown Depravity' if you don't believe me. They along with Runnin Riot and this years new hot tip the Hypocrites, get generous coverage in every issue. So it was good to see a short interview with coastal kiddie punks Man Over Bored. These young whippersnappers are talented and very hungry. And talking of hunger, Captain Oi! has certainly got his hooks into Bills swag bag, and he ain't gonna let go till he's got his pound of flesh. Or in Bills case, another 32 page issue hot off the copier. It's really quite fascinating watching the siege like mentality of zinesters who have to feed an all consuming conglomerate like Captain Oi! I wonder whose gonna be lying on the ground exhausted come Christmas time as these two personality's battle it out in the zine/record label endurance test? My moneys on South London to take a fall or at least a breather. But don't forget I ain't backed a winner since Shergar! Alongside an almost non-stop array of records, gigs, books, DVDs and zine reviews there was still more than enough room for some of Billy boys more artistic endeavours to surface. In other words lots of camera shots of liggers and bands dressing up, having fun or getting pissed. The best shot however had to be the back page featuring Mohican Colm ex-Walking Abortions who is snapped absolutely bladdered sat on a barrel and wrapped around a post in a bar fast asleep. Definitely one for the Jap. tourist trade. For the punky nerds there's '77 questions in the 'Punk GCSE quiz' to catch you out. And finally, a fitting tribute to Belfast's most famous son...Georgie Best. Which ill hopefully publish on site here soon, if Bill hasn't already signed over the copyrights to Trakmarks. Oh before I forget, Bills band the Violent Fuckwits are still homeless and looking for a practice pad, so offers like bars, garages or ex-'Romper Rooms' will be seriously considered! FREE with an SAE to BILL, 5 GLEN ROAD, BELFAST BT5 7JH billyriot@hotmail.com |
| EVERLONG #7 January 2006 *** 12 months later and Everlong Bristol's premier punk zine makes a welcome return after liveing up to its name with an extended absence from the typeset jet stream. However editor in chief Shane has numerous other publications to write for, so he's a very busy chap which is a viable reason. But as he's now in charge of a growing posse of well versed contributors (just waiting for Rovers lout Paul K. to chuck his 2 bobs worth in), we can expect another issue as early as this summer! And by the list of ink donors in attendance, they should easily have enough ammo for that particular deadline. Let's hope we also get some snottier punk rock coverage, coz this zine is still stuck in that safe grey area of punk that all the prudent bands frequent. Just take a look at the collection of bands in this issue. Most of which I ain't heard of before in my entire life? The Setbacks, the Explosions and Black Friday 29, to name but a few. And I gotta say I find this new breed of punk band that has crept in under the 'punk' umbrella, to be from a totally alien landscape compared to the vintage one Im currently residing in. They all stink of middle class rich kids. They give the impression they're killing time till they fuck off to Uni. And like most Captains of Industry they emit zilch personality wise, and fail to entice outsiders like meself into their club. Im wondering whether im from a different culture, but now I know! I knew something must be up when a bit of spit 'n' snot was in so much demand it was exhilarating to witness, compared to the cool, clean environment of today's punk scene. A scene that spits out nerds by the dozen, in favour of the far more atypical and newsworthy guttersnipe. I think Everlong is doing a splendid job of covering this slick breed of punk. But it could seriously cross borders and ghettos with a load more attitude and opinion from its well-read informants. Instead we get an almost polite portrayal of its local and global scene by 'n' scene liggers which seemed to stifle this issue. The Setbacks for example look and sound like a complete band of emotional impediments if you can quite imagine that? Well they are from Bath, so just think of Alkaline Trio and other bands of that ilk and you'll get the picture. And talking of American wannabe's, we do get the real deal in the Xplosion from Boston, USA. However they are about as incendiary in print as a Boston crab minus its pincers. At least Grebo from Bristol showed us a bit of posture and they smash up their guitars on impact too, so maybe they're worth checking out. But Flogging Molly from LA sum up everything I despise in the punk scene of late. Bland plastic Paddy's doing their favourite Pogues routine and fooling everyone in the process. When are these jerks gonna wake up and suss out these over hyped press/zine darlings for what they really are...sober, dull, yanks! So it was a big relief to read about the refreshingly unassuming Pocket Billiards from Northern Ireland who give us no bullshit answers and are for once, the real McCoy. There was also a neat delve into the Junction venue in Bristol. They promote a boatload of UK and international punk acts in their intimate 100 capacity venue, which sounds like a good place to check out next time im in ciderville. We are then confronted by Black Friday 29 a Kraut strait edge combo. So you can imagine how riveting this interview is gonna be. They along with the neu folk disciple Steve Turner of Mudhoney fame (who was themselves living in the shadow of Nirvana) don't exactly ratchet up the tension. The Surfin' Turnips offer some light relief and are Bristol's answer to a souped up punk version of the Wurzels. There was a note worthy but safe Reno Divorce tour diary from a member of Valdez which loses punk points for its author not shagging the groupie! And finally we get a Spartan obituary written by the corpse himself. The live gig reviews span ten pages of faceless bands, but I did spot lurking amongst the brass section and Big Cheese wannabe's - Texas Terri, Midnight Creeps, Motorhead, Lower Class Brats, Contempt, Anti Flag and the Drongos, all adding some extra flavour. The record reviews are pretty much on the ball when they ain't gushing about Ska punk, rockabilly or that other crap that makes up the Warped Van bills these days. Still a very professional looking fanzine and read, but like most professional publications it’s missing that personal touch this issue. £1.00 & a5 SAE from Shane.Baldwin@uwe.uk |
| NEGATIVE REACTION #5 Summer 2006 **** The Dawning of a new age for Negative Reaction. Editor in chief Sir Trev Hagl has fallen in love not in Consett but on the internet! And what's even more astounding is he's told everyone in print so he can't deny this one! He's even invited his new bird Dawn to collaborate on the zine. Could this be a new era in Negative Reactions inky rollercoaster ride that boasts more pulling power than John Prescott? Has Trev become a new man?? The hardcore reactionaries amongst his readership may well recoil in uproar at Dawns inclusion in a once strictly male domain such as this. And rumours are already circulating that the Jeremy Kyle show is keeping a vacant slot open! But to be fair, Dawn's no mug and used to write her own fanzine in the early 80's. So she knows her way around the cut 'n' paste thrust of zinedom. She's also wise to Trev's lecherous excesses and even laughs at his anti-gay jokes. So they are joined in pen and ink bliss across their domestic typewriter landscape like some 21st century version of the Birchill/Parsons gunslingers of yore. A match made in zerox heaven, or should that read Durham? It's that intriguing. You couldn't have envisaged such a storyline in a script from Neighbours, let alone on the Angelic Upstarts guestbook where they first met beneath the AFA flame wars. This true romance came about amidst a backdrop of Goldblade and Perkele (pardon my ignorance but are they some new brand of instant coffee??). It makes Chip and Rachel's Yorkshire zine fling look positively right wing in comparison. And from this first joint venture it seems to be working. We still gets Trev's wicked sexist texts, down the line reviews and hilariously depressing view on Britain's decline into an American method actor state. But set against Dawns more feminine style of writing it becomes the perfect foil. Which is also aided by a good sensa yuma (mind you, she fucking needs it with Sir Hagl at the bar!). It also has to be pointed out Dawns injected a superior layout to the mag. Just check out the eye catching centrespread. Which is also the focal point of a 4 page analysis of Blairites Britain, which gets a savagely accurate depiction. Good to read the Trev's Asda fiasco ended with a few grand in the kitty too. So maybe we'll be seeing a few more issues hit the street for quite a while yet. Let's just hope the dreaded spectre of some future poetry inclusion or New Model Army intrusions are kept at a respectable distance! The interviews in this edition are all top notch. I really enjoyed the Dr Strange one with its candid insight into the Californian record empire. We then get a look back at the Spitfire Boys career, who were born in St Helens instead of behind the bar of Eric's, like we all assumed. The Anti Nowhere League's Animal was the only let down. Even with a bikers hangover the size of Hastings he should've at least been arsed to answer why he put out 'This Perfect Crime' which was a true crime against obnoxiousness!!! Negative Reaction #5 rounds off with a good Upstarts interview conducted by Dawn. We get the low down from a militant Mensi on bottle droppers who never turn up to confrontations! Wonder if he ever got that spray off the van? Yeah It's gonna be very interesting to see what develops in the next issue of this zine! Can't fuckin' wait!! S.A.E. from Rosehill, 20 Front St, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, Co. Durham, DH9 9LY, UK. trevhagl@hotmail.com |
| RIOT ON YOUR OWN #23 Spring 2006 *** The UK's most regular punk zine comes running out the backstreets of West Belfast with petrol bomb in hand! Well maybe not petrol, but with enough innuendo and sarcy absurdity that if Bill could manufacture it and sell it off on E-bay to the baying young American punk market, who seem so obsessed with being sarcastic. He'd make a fuckin' packet! Listen kids why try so hard? You've either got it or you ain't, you can't buy a commodity like that, so get this tatty rag instead, coz it's the next best thing and it's FREE! Whatever this zine lacks in state of the art presentation it still manages to keep us all amused with its no bullshit approach. That is at least until Bill's big Wasted special hits the streets, which will be floating around the bars and stalls at Blackpool's Wintergarden's this August no doubt. But until then, ROYO #23 will keep you primed, titillated and enthralled in between Big Brother TV breaks and those heavy Kournikova grunts at Wimbledon. There's loads of chunky reviews in this issue, which is always a good sign. Coz they actually tell you about what's on the deck, be it records, DVD's or in the zines. Instead of lazily going through the repetitive production line analysis that MRR / PUNK& OI IN THE UK etc. seem happy to churn out. We get tongue in cheek respites like the cryptic punk anagram, sandwiched against local scene updates. And on a serious note a poignant farewell to a young Belfast punkette who died recently. There's a funny Shame Academy CD launch gig review, where the bouncers get ridiculed and on another support groups with Beards get mocked mercilessly. Runnin Riot command a live centre page spread performing live on stage at the Empire in Belfast, where lead singer Colin complete with cloth cap looks uncannily like some Farming auctioneer presiding over a livestock auction. There's a call for any self respecting punk with a pulse to offer up their suggestions for the 'All Time Punk Top Totty Chart', which will be revealed in the next issue. It's a tough one, but ill probably go with Debbie Harry for sheer sexual magnetism during her late 70's heyday. There are 3 interviews in this issue, best being a thoroughly intriguing one with Nicky Tesco out the Members. Mr Tesco like Arturo Bassick seems totally down to earth, which is a pleasure to read in this day 'n' age. We also get grittier ones with young spiky tops the Lobotomies who are not only this issues covers stars but currently doing a UK tour. Plus a short sharp one with kiddy punk outfit White Noise, who are named after the SLF song, in case you were wondering. There's also news that Billy's own bunch of cutthroats the Violent Fuckwits will be wrecking a stage near you very soon. Where's me hard hat and earmuffs when you need em! FREE with an SAE to BILL, 5 GLEN ROAD, BELFAST BT5 7JH billyriot@hotmail.com |
| NEGATIVE REACTION #4 Spring 2006 **** 'The fanzine that's even more punk than McFly'. Hmmm, like most honest UK punk publications today (apart from Destroy who took my money and run), it ain't gonna be hard to out punk McFly. Despite the misguided misconceptions bleated out in the mainstream music press about em being (adopt commas with finger tips) "PUNK". McFly are about as punk as Plastic Bertrand, with the emphasis on synthetic. At least you could pogo to 'Ca Plane Pou Moi'! Luckily for us Negative Reaction #4 ain't fake, it's the real deal! And this issue marks the last of the unholy trinity of editors combining their inky talents in one issue, which did dog this zine for a few issues. Coz lets face it, it wasn't working with shoddy space wasting and arse licking punk star interviews, which didn't really suit Hagl's rigorous worth ethic and impartial viewpoint. You can almost hear the sigh of relief emanating outta Stanley. Meanwhile Trev diplomatically blames the split on spiralling postage costs and low demand which I'm afraid is always a factor. But I think we know better don't we? In Negative Reaction land we were always looking for laughs, genuine reactions and even negative ones on the punk scene in general. And this issue does go out with a bang with everyone pulling their weight and inspiring a reaction good and bad. The anti Big Brother stance is underlined with an amusing Tourettes institute spread across the front page. Which in case anyone don't know is a dig at Pete the Tourettes sufferer, who bought back 'wanker' to the Big Brother screen. Now I can see Trev's point about 24/7 reality TV voyeurism being a rather sad state of affairs. I certainly don't condone watching people make tea as entertainment. But I gotta say that hour of selected highlights every night makes me laugh out loud, cringe with embarrassment and gloat as we watch those hang up merchants play up to the cameras. It's certainly for me, an alternative form of entertainment as England's World Cup dream is shattered and the Tennis swamps our summer schedule. But let's not get sidetracked here. What's inside the fuckin' zine, I can hear you cry? Well we got a solid interview with the Lurkers /999 bass player Arturo Bassick who used to do pony trap rides near Hadrian's Wall when he wasn't lurking or it wasn't pissing down. And from one extreme to another, we get motor mouth John Robb from Goldblade who has suddenly become the darling of the punk scene. Taken in by all as a punk figurehead in the 2006 punk scene. But no-one seems to recall his 'raver' days in the late 80's when he wrote off punk in the music weeklies in favour of the then current trend...rave culture! Whoops have I let the cat out the bag!? Meanwhile back to reality. Life in Britain has never been murkier in the 'Greetings From Small Town England' column. This piece sums up the UK's imperfections perfectly. We also get Part one of Trev's 13 year battle against Asda's Americanisation which is a real eye opener. However I'm finding Trev's increasing socialist view point becoming more extreme as the years pass by. He's got a conscience for sure, but I'd really hate for the cunt to turn into County Durham's version of Billy Bragg or even worse Andy Cactus! The reviews however are as always spot on! Other interviews in the bargain basement include a yawn inspiring one with Resistance 77, whose singer Oddy looks like a young version of actor Pete Postlethwaite, while GBH's Colin lets us in on his well guarded secret, he wants to be Elvis! Glasgow's Splinter give us the pedestrian insight from the Oi!/Street punk scene. And Joe D. from the Hypocrites admits to chucking away a hard earned giro at a Slipknot concert fer fux sake! But what's even more disturbing is he went back for more! We finally get anaesthetised as Bison waffles on at the Fury Festival in Le Mans, so no change there then. Despite the obvious drawbacks this is one zine that will always get a reaction! Which is the whole point! S.A.E. from Rosehill, 20 Front St, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, Co. Durham, DH9 9LY, UK. trevhagl@hotmail.com |
| HAIRSTYLES OF THE POOR AND CONTAGIOUS #4 Summer 2006 *** First time I've actually read a zine from Australia im ashamed to say in almost 30 years of punk scrawl. But I've just had a seven zine consignment sent in here to break my duck! HOTPAC Is the creation of Flea who when she ain't running round town taking pictures of drunk punks on pub crawls, or dying her fantail Mohawk crazy colours. She plays rivvum guitar in my fave (well I have only heard one) Melbourne punk outfit called Crack Whore. So Flea's definitely a busy girl round town and has been writing zines to her credit since she was at school in the late 90's. There she co wrote the amusingly named The Stranger Wears Green Tights with her emerald accomplice Mel. This ink splattered, handwritten scruffy prototype was a good learning curve and reminds me of our very own Puke's early ink dripping's. Im glad she's stuck with the zine scene though, coz im sure the bands who she covers appreciate it nearly as much as punks across the other side of the globe do. But that was then, this is now! So fast forward to 2005 and the birth of the current publication. HOTPAC, whose title ain't quite as creative as its predecessor, but is a more refined 24 page punk rock scribble in luminous green cover. This particular issue celebrates 12 months in existence and with roughly a 3 month turnaround figure, it's giving Billy Riot a run for his money. The editorial explains all you need to know..."Where we acknowledge substance but rely on style. A punk rock 'n' roll zine with big pictures and small words". This certainly ain't MRR by any means, but it's speedy energetic delivery gives us a healthy snapshot of punk from down under. Amidst the cut 'n' paste thrust of leopard skin layouts you can almost sniff where this is coming from. There are mini rants on 'dog shit', 'Barbie In Confined Spaces' and 'Dress Etiquette'. You lose points for not looking punk in this mag, so beware all you bland fuckers out there. I wish Flea would review more zines or records coz her solitary Punk Rock Confidential magazine review was good considering I've never read a copy. Although HOTPAC also features local band reviews from other publications. The interviews are short but give you enough information on native outfits like Skin band Bulldog Spirit who recently reformed with lead singer Doug recruiting new members. There's also one with East Bay punkettes the Vamps, accompanied by a fitting band pic. This band remind me of what a female version of say the Unseen would look like, without the stubble and spunk stains. And they create a similar less creative thrashy noise. There are also some good shots of an array of Melbourne bands in action and a few more reviews and various quotes lifted from the anals of punk. Issues 1, 2 and 3 as well as this one are still available. Flea will do good, fast, efficient trades for your booty so if you wanna check out hers or what the Melbourne punk scene is like today you could try here first. FREE for a trade! (no longer in print) |
| DEVIL ON 45 #1 January 2006 *** Brand new zine here from the wilds of County Kildare, Eire. And for a first issue is very generous on input and information. Devil On 45 is a zine that from the start tells us it's gonna feature the weirder side of music. And you can't get more bizarre than the history of Spade Cooley in a punk zine. Spade who? You may well ask. Well he was a gifted fiddler (know a couple of those meself) and was a big name in the early Country and Western scene after Roy Rogers (snigger) spotted him. Not exactly riveting punk rock literature you maybe thinking, but the well dressed cowboy hid a gruesome secret behind his fame and fortune. He was in actual fact a bullying tyrant on the domestic front. He subjected his wife and family to years of abuse after drunken rages. Before finally going wayu too far and killing his spouse before sodomising her body with a broom handle! Sounds more like a GG Allen album don't it? Joking aside, wife beating anywhere ainâ €™t big or clever, and I certainly don't condone burning his wife's breasts in front of their 14 year old daughter either. The depraved Cooley certainly got found guilty at his trial, but missed the gas chamber by luck and spent the next 9 years in prison where he was a model prisoner, like most pschopaths are. He amazingly gained early parole in 1969. However his luck ran out the night of his comeback gig for he keeled over and died of a heart attack straight after his final set. Which in retrospect was an easy way out considering what he had done? I doubt whether Spade will be making my classic punk album listings somehow, but this is a fascinating story into a realm of music id never consider reading about previously. Of the more saner rock 'n' roll articles. We get the story of 'Louie Louie And The FBI', the classic Kingsmen /Paul Revere And The Raider track, immortalised by Motorhead and numerous others. There's an interview with Cynthia Plaster Caster the 60's groupie who has become something of a cult figure casting the penis's of rock stars over the last 3 decades. Fuck knows how she found Pete Shelly's? And we still don't get to hear how she actually does it? So I spose we'll have to find out from her forthcoming book. There's part one of a 'Punk And Porn' article with some interesting facts 'n' figures uncovered. For instance didn't know Lydia Lunch had a pistol shoved up her in the brutal black 'n' white flick called...wait for it, 'Fingered'. Devil On 45 ends with the story of the banning of Body Counts 1990's 'Cop Killer' track. Which is still the only record to ever get a blanket ban in the USA? Some great research has gone into this body of work by Ed the editor, but maybe more punk input would be a bonus next time out if you wanna aim at the punk scene. However if you wanna read about the less savoury side of rock 'n' roll from a more obscure angle, this zine fit's the bill perfectly. Ed is also after contributions so if you've got something weird send it in coz Issue two is currently being put together. Cheers to Erin in Minneapolis for passing this on. You can visit www.myspace.com/thedevilon45 for further information on how you can gain a copy. |
| BALD CACTUS #24 March 2006 **** Bald Cactus just gets better and better and way more bitterer 'n' twisted as Comrade Cactus gets older. In this, the latest edition of probably the longest running 'right on' punk zine in Britain today. The new reign of cynicism that's kicked in since around issue #22 is still thankfully in evidence. Excellent Pro print job on eco friendly paper no doubt, makes its packed 28 pages and 'a flying kick to the balls of the system' so much easier to take in. Alongside that by now warped Anarcho attitude which is still a chore to deal with, as Andy and co. hunt non-existent bogey men, while the Al Quada death cells live within their midst. But hey this is punk in the Leeds militant ghetto, where they still thinks it's the early 80's and Nazis wanna ruin their fun. A land where they still 'smash the fash' in print, breed sneering postmen, and crucify meat eaters. Featured interviews in this issue were a mixed bag. Best being the face to face confrontation with Abrasive Wheels. They're reformed home grown spiky legends to some. But I can almost smell Andy's blood lust as he serves up the killer question to singer Shonna. A rare breed indeed, who actually met with the BC nemesis and all round hate figure Maggie Thatcher when she was PM and he was but a spotty barrow boy. I think Andy Cactus was disappointed Shonna didn't run her through with his Stanley blade and spent the next 25 years banged up for it. But Martyrs in the punk scene seldom wear studs. Abrasive Wheels didn't get me rolling at all musically, but Shonna's feeble answer and excuses had me rolling all over the floor with laughter as he grovelled to the Cacti inquisition just barely escaping with his life. Next up is Andy Higgins who runs JSNTGM Records and has just put out an impressive new edition of his own zine Blackpool Rox II. Even a well adjusted, 'right on' individual like MR Higgins, gets a petty, almost sad interrogation over the inclusion of the dreaded Skrewdriver on last years Blackpool compilation. Now this kinda nit picking on one compilation track for a band who are literally dead and buried actually spotlights their minor input in the punk scene more so than a pub full of right wingers ever could! It makes you wonder how preoccupied this resentful critic has really become, to dwell on historical baddies so much. Im sure there's more up to date threats out there today who you could be venting yer hate on. But we know that ain't gonna happen on the Bald Cactus watch. That's the real downside to this zine, because all that animosity although highly entertaining to cunts like meself, can become relentless even in the shrinking paranoid neighbourhood it dwells in. The Dauntless Elite also from Leeds sound about as interesting as their band name suggests. At least The Restarts my fave crusty punks from 'Acne give us a good insight into buzzsaw life amongst the squats. The rest of the zine is dominated by a massive record and zine review section, which sits mockingly amongst the entertaining columns of hate and moans against consumer technology, the Ramones fascist tendency's, the rock star antics of Anti Flag and the Royal Mail who actually pay Andy's wages. All this from a geezer who dresses up as Darth Vader for the kids at Christmas. But what's even more disturbing, is this zine features a back page dedicated to Margaret Thatcher's termination. But why waste it on some old geriatric cow when the current danger of Tony Blair sneaks out the back door? Entertaining for all the wrong reasons, but paranoid fixated zine writers are a dying breed in punks print world. Which makes this zine even more essential for all walks of punk life to read and ponder? 50p plus SAE from BALD CACTUS |
| RIOT ON YOUR OWN #24 September 2006 **** Bill's latest scruffy photocopied epic comes at us with kiddie punk outfit Outl4w making this issues front cover and deservingly so by all accounts. This edition is focussed on the annual Wasted festival for a large portion. Which is probably the reason for it's chunkier than normal mass. And even though it has a load of photo static images as the backdrop it's packed to the rafters with reckless text intrusions and hysterical innuendo that makes for a genuine first class read. The reviews are becoming more involved too, which is a good sign. Because despite popular belief we do still need an opinion on stuff before we buy it. And Bill lets you have it without pandering to favours, well most of the time anyway. The Celebrity Dream fights was a right fuckin' giggle as a list of fictitious bouts gets reeled off with pre-fight conjecture including Colonel Gaddaffi V Tom Jones (guffaw!), Steven Hawkins V Christopher Reeve (snigger!) or how about Dicky Best V George Reeves (howl!). The 8 page Wasted Diary is always the most entertaining gig review of this event I read in the zine culture or anywhere else for that matter. Coz it actually includes tales of the real world and all its obstacles. From this years encounter with Airports delays to, pouring beer on body space invaders right through to the glassy eyed biting of lips moments, that brings this excellent assessment to life. Scarlet the Harlot from Barnyard Masturbator made this years Top Totty chart at Wasted. But should be thoroughly ashamed of herself for not having a clue who Bill is or was ha! Err Scarlet honey, he did interview you once and you did appear on the front cover of his zine! But hey what's an interview and cover shot amongst the swooning Oi polloi eh babe! ROYO is littered with some great shots of the bands and punters pity the reduced shots turn into a mass of greys but they at least add ambience to this zine. Another highlight was Bills report of his 11 year old son Scotty's entry into the European Kickboxing Championships held in Worcester. From a complete outsider to this event young Scottdog came out the traps knocking his opponents senseless and was unlucky not to lift the Champions trophy himself. Sounds like a Hollywood film script but there's a future Champ in the making! The news around town gives an update on what's kicking off on the streets of Belfast and beyond. Theres a new album from Runnin Riot nearing completion and a debut album from Violent Fuckwits be jyzus!!!! Oh and Buck from the Defects has just opened up a punk shop called 'Teenage Kicks'. Along with a good healthy gig roundup including the Belfast Punks Picnic. Which always looks better in Belfast than anywhere else? Must be all that Buckfast they sink? And a cautionary tale of Cheese addiction this is bang on. Riffy dog eared zines of this nature are essential and I doubt if a slick, high tech glossy format would be to its advantage coz this is starry eyed punk romanticism at its best. FREE with an SAE to BILL, 5 GLEN ROAD, BELFAST BT5 7JH billyriot@hotmail.com |
| BLACKPOOL ROX II #9 August 2006 **** Blackpool Rox II #9 certainly has grown into a majestic looking A4 piece of work these days. I can see the local Leisure Council's money is bein' put to good use. The transformation is quite remarkable. From what was once a bland desktop newsletter into a fully fledged sharp 30 page fanzine, that now challenges Blackpool's other chunky read 4 Minute Warning for effort and input. So hats off to Andy, who looks like he's declined tempting offers from local drug barons and hookers and sensibly blew his ill gotten gains on something a little more rewarding and long lasting maybe? But this vice like compression of text that promotes punks more prudent wing of sounds, can often feature dull and Indie perspectives. Which certainly ain't gonna register with hooligans like me. I prefer my punk with a less controlled attitude something that makes the scene look untidy and ultimately way more interesting. However in Blackpool Rox land everything is well ordered and structured, with a slightly superior tone. But that's the way Andy likes his punk. However I'll be first to admit alternatives in this scene are vital. So as another thesis gets rolled out, it's hard to jump in head first like in some zines. But when it's presented this efficiently it makes you wanna read it more, just in case you miss something good. Promising to rock us at regular 3 monthly intervals, Andy has bought on board a host of other like minded punk pundits and theologians to widen his brief and inject an escalation of his views on punk and the state of the planet. It can become a pretty hard slog to focus on the more in depth pieces. Coz they are often sabotaged by an eye watering 8 sized print font which is squeezed onto its pages, taking full advantage of space but leaving us with an unwanted Specsavers appointment. However we get specialist help with high quality images that grace the high tech layout. This is of course the perfect accompaniment to promote Volume #2 of Andy's 'Ugly Truth of Blackpool' CD series of compilations. And like with Vol. 1 we get a concise track by track rundown. He's also threatening to bring this format to other UK towns like Ipswich, Lancaster, Bolton and Preston which should be interesting. The Interviews are at least diverse. The best of which coming from Jennie Russell of HITS/Wasted promotions. She's by now a slick, diplomatic spokes woman for husband Darren's juggernaut. Which by a strange coincidence has re-launched itself yet again as wait for it...Rebellion! On a smaller scale a Californian promoter for 'Anarchy In Hollywood' nights throws in his 50 cents worth. While we hear Steve Lake from Zounds has discovered acoustic (golly gee!). And of the others, part one of Canadians The Weakerthons brings a whole new meaning to the word weak! While The Great St Louis from Bolton was about as riveting as one of Fred Dibnah's back garden creations. There's an array of columns on copyright, TV, Frank Black and Blackpool. Some of which read like University papers but hey, what do you expect from University graduates. You get 9 pages of reviews (despite one reviewer running off with most of the records, including a Torcha Shed 45 ha!). Alongside book reviews and gigs. Some of which are notable for dating back to 2004? I think the real test of this zine will be the next edition which will be when everything's bang up to date. Comes with the above mentioned 26 track compilation CD, so if none of the above interest ya you might find it on the disc. £2.00 www.jsntgm.com |
| EVERLONG #8 Summer 2006 **** This is a massive bumper 48 page edition of the proficient looking desktop creation outta Bristol known as Everlong. This time out features a cross section of the current punk scene. Kicking off with local Ska outfit the Scrub and native record label Crime Scene Records. A good name for a label that features releases by political hardcore along with loads of grunts 'n' groans. Veteran punks the Straps from Brixton are threatening a US tour and a book on their reawakened adventures in the punk rock. Wonder what they gonna fill the missing years in with? While front cover star John Robb from Gold blade (whose currently blowing Stiff Little Fingers off the stage every night of the week on their UK tour) does what he does best, And that's preach! Ain't it surprising how ex-ravers can reinvent themselves without no-one questioning why? But with such a feeble bunch of rival outfits in the UK today who can blame the punk masses for falling at the feet of rock 'n' roll rave? We are then bought back down to earth with the modest Eastfield from Brum who take us train spotting. While the cocky Captain America keeps the Everlong faithful happy with their new school punk smarm. There's a surprise inclusion in this zine from Boston's The Unseen, who must be the spikiest bunch to hit Everlong yet. Pity these and most of the other yank studs 'n' bristles brigade seems so inanimate in print. Found a massive review of the 2006 Amsterdam Wasted festival pretty interesting. And it made a nice change from the usual Wasted reviews we usually get in zines. And it also makes you wanna try a walk down those red light dark alleys in Amsterdam's meat market, because that's what real punks are supposed do ain't it? We are then bombarded with over 18 pages of gig, records, books and DVD reviews. Including rare live sightings of Anti-flag and the Epoxies on these shores. The record reviews include Cock Sparrer's Decca years and the Briefs latest stroke of brilliance. While Penetration entice us on DVD. The Everlong gang apologise for no zine reviews this issue because getting two issues out in 12 months was a bit too much to include in time. Hmmmmmm call me a slave driver if you like, but I remember when some zines were putting out 40 page issues every 3 months and without internet aid! Mind you that was when bloodlust and hunger were fuelling our pen and ink rage and photocopiers were being run dry! At least Everlong this issue has something for everyone so a definite improvement on its usual Skarred landscape as far as content goes. And of course its jam packed and easy on the eye to read! £1.00 & a5 SAE from Shane.Baldwin@uwe.uk |
| ANARCHOI # 17 *** Be Jyzuz has it really been 10 issues since I last set eyes on Scotland's very own Anarchoi? Otherwise known as "dyslexic space wastin blandness", which was such a compelling statement, they even featured it on last issues front cover (snigger). Nahh didn't think I'd be sniffin' round its spacious pages quite so fast if the truth be known. So blame Belfast contributor Joe who is a big Shame Academy fan coz he asked if I had a copy of this issue? I also needed a zine for a trade so I got two of the fuckers. Well that's my excuse so I must be a sucker fer punishment? Issue #17 is looking rougher than a wake up call from Needles after a heavy night on the whiz! I think this zine sums up how gross negligence can prevail in zinedom. Even with first class facilities at its disposal, namely the neat print job and sturdy paper it's printed on, can't save it. So why does Anarchoi have to go and fuck it all up by lazily churning out shoddy input? Compared to zines like Fast 'n' Loud who show you what you can do to add impact to a page, this one is just a joke! Zines who last a few issues can get away with sloppy seconds, but one that's been going for 17 issues and demanding money for the service is takin' the piss! The front cover is a handwritten scrawl on top of those sticky white labels which must've took all of 5 minutes to conjure up and knock together. Including a butchered piccy of Queen E. Even that was a let down coming from such a Royalist stronghold as Scotland. I was at least expecting a big carving knife or even an axe embedded in her eyeball instead of a poxy pirates patch and ballpoint 'ACAB' scribble on the sow's forehead. Rab C Nesbitt would be turning in his drunk tank! This issue seems to have a slight Aussie theme with contributions and an interview with Bombscare from down under. Now here's a band who I know nothing about? And after reading the interview I know even less? Things get better with Brummy punks D'Corner Bois interrogation. Which is actually laid out good with some decent pix? Just don't take any notice of Ben's waffle. There's a reasoning and review behind the recent Chernobyl charity punk bash. But the best thing in here is a Shame Academy interview with Rudi's ex main man Brian Young giving some good answers. And to come full circle he's followed by one of Belfast's latest breed of punk bands the Lobotomies. The '30 years Of Punk' Part Two article has gotta be a seen to be believed. It was scribbled on two sheets of paper in about 5 minutes by some Aussie Dag fer fux sake! We need more quality pages in this zine for it to be given respect coz when you look closer there ain't a lot of our editors (Big Jimmy) input in this zine. Apart from reviewing the punk records. So I think we know why he's still knocking this out? Add profiteer to his long list of accolades! £1.00 from 3 Hazel Grove, Kilwinning, Ayshire, KA13 7JH, Scotland. |
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