| FAST 'N' LOUD #8 Late 2007 *** Another Dayglo cover sets this zine up as one of the better looking zines knocking around the UK scene. Featuring and focusing on the early 80's in decor as its primary source of inspiration and design. The Lurkers, 999, MDM and Norfucks Hotwired are all bands who have been going or have members involved from the times when punk really was a social pariah. But by far the best interview in this issue is with the Lurkers Arturo Bassick. He cant sing for England let alone the Lurkers, but is the real deal compared with so many others involved with Punk. Not sure I totally agree with his attack on CD burners destroying the livelihood of gigging PUNK bands, coz lets face it every fuckers done it! But id quite happily pay for stuff if I could access it as easily. You try buying a Lurkers album in the high street these days? He also sticks the boot into SLF's primadonna attitude to support bands and their fans. Which as most of you know is a rumour thats been circulating for quite a few years now. 999 in comparison is very short. Drummer Pablo La Britain a man of very few words tells us he went to school with Joe Strummer and has a diary of every gig 999 have done. Love to read the extract he put in after their 3 minutes in Wolves Lafayette club back in '77. There's a great shot of Mandy from MDM reclining on her bed in black leather as she purrs and disses Punks Picnics for lack of real organisation. Newest band of the bunch Hotwired seem to be gigging frenziedly of late. I ain't heard them since their abysmal 'Friday Night' demo back in 2001, but from what I can gather theres been a massive overhaul in their sound and I should fucking hope so as well. We get lots of fanzine reviews and records coming this time in a crisp and clear type face and some news updates too. We dont get a sniff of sloganeering from this zine. Which is always a bonus. But then again we don't actually get anything written by John on his view of the punk world in general or even Fred West central? Fast 'N' Loud with its cut 'n' paste or die layout and leopardskin backgrounds lets you know this is Punk literature for leather clad morons who still buy Exploited records and of course curious fuckers like myself. Please note John has a new email address for his latest information. £1.50 + 66p sae john@fastnloudzine.orangehome.co.uk or write to 88 Overbrook Road, Hardwicke, Gloucester, GL2 4RZ UK |
| NEGATIVE REACTION #9/ SUCK TILL I SAG #6 Split Late 2007 *** Split zines are usually one sided affairs with a stronger zine blowing their sparring partners away in layout and attitude. And this ain't no different. Negative Reaction leads the way with a less contrived comic aspect and with more political sloganeering, but not enough to bore you to death. While the Suck Till I Sag pariahs just sucked as they try way too hard to be funny, crude, outrageous and all the other expletives we'd associate with punk. They seem to need a safety blanket instead of a safety pin for credibility and its usually just not very funny. It often makes you wonder if their sister record label Winston Records is equally as desperate? Especially if you review them glowingly in your own mag? To be fair they do have a good interview with The Disruptors Bangkok Steve, who admits to marrying a mental Greek woman and nearly got off with lady boy in Thailand. And a not so memorable one with Homebrew who are still fermenting. The 'How To Spot A Fanzine Seller At The Next Gig You Go To' was amusing. Having had the privilege of selling 11 issues of zines at various gigs during the 90's I was hoping I didn't come across as such a nerd. However it looks like those wire framed glasses were a dead give away and working for Royal Mail must've been my destiny? Wonder if ill go vegan next? Suck Till I Sag do get about a bit for zinesters with something to prove. We have reports from Rebellion festivals in Holland plus a road trip to Berlin. And Rotten Randys hike round some UK toilets was note worthy. If this zine stuck to music more instead of trying to prove their credibility ratings it might be worth your 50p? Negative Reaction comes out not exactly blazing but with confidence in part one of a massive interview with Scotland's Toxic Ephex (part 2 is in Negative Reaction #10). Lead Toxic Fred gives us a very detailed insight into one of the few good punk bands knocking about during punks dark ages (late 80s) and seems to be in all kinds of weird n wacky bands in the local vicinity. I often wonder about individuals who are in so many bands. Is it because theyd go insane with only one or are they truly immersed in music? Also getting interrogated is young oi'sters from Holland called the Young Ones. Who i suspect are more Menace than Cliff after hearing them on myspace. The reviews are trust worthy with not too much bullshit or favouritism creeping in. Theres another BIG rebellion festival report from last years Blackpool leg taking up the lions share. The rants are all over the shop in this issue ranging from noisy neighbours from hell to the absurd Farmers TV page which was unshamedly filler. I particularly liked the Mike Hunt column which would be really interesting if Mike wasn't so soiled by socialism, but Negative Reaction is still an entertaining read for anyone not from Nottingham! Contact Trev c/o Rosehill, 20 New Front St, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, Co Durham, DH9 9LY, UK trevhagl@hotmail.com |
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| RIOT ON YOUR OWN #28 November 2007 **** Billy Riot's in festive mood this issue. Especially with his band of cut throats (the Violent Fuckwits) debut CD doing the rounds. So just so we don't forget we get editor Mr Riot and his fellow Fuckwit assassins leering out of the front cover of this issue! Now if that ain't a case of pure unadulterated vanity, it definitely has gotta be seen as a brilliant piece of publicity for his band and the Belfast community to take hold of lol. How many of today's zine editors have the balls or inclination to do such a trick, let alone serve it in cold blood without a hint of nepotism. Well at least Bill ain't camera shy like some zine writers and we can nearly always ponce a drink or a zine off him at gigs. The bi line of this zine is 'a living lie that's true' which we all know is bullshit, but when the bullshits done this good, you just gotta come back for more. If your not up to date on what Captain Oi! or Cherry Red record empires are up to? You soon will be with this issues crate load of latest releases and reviews. Also in prominence is a massive Rebellion festival diary which seen Bill and his family enjoying a festival of punk rock indulgence with some amusing entry's. But it does make you wonder where punk is going in this day 'n' age? Call me out of step if you like, but wasn't punk meant to be dangerous, and on the edge? Somewhere you wouldn't take your older brother, let alone your grandmother. It makes you realise just how safe punk rock has become. Bands are so polite, positively no lewd behaviour, they've all got ethics and wouldn't dream of bursting a little kids balloon, let alone gob on some untalented morons reliving their youth on stage coz it ain't nice either tut tut. These marathon Punk festivals although great social events wasn't exactly how I perceived the original idea of punk rock when I was a kid watching Johnny Rotten blow his nose on the floor of the Lafayette club. Anyway forgive me for getting side tracked there as Riot On Your Own veers away from the punk domain for a short while and delves into the way more dangerous and edgier Ultimate Fighting sport, which I personally knew nothing about? And considering its the fastest growing combat sport in the world, was an interesting insight for any fighting fans out there who are fed up of watching Amir Khan knock out no hopers. Still with boxing, we get profiles on boxers Johnny Owen/Lupe Pinter. Meanwhile back on punk rock we get obituary's on Hilly Crystal (CBGB's founder) and Tony Wilson (punk rock entrepreneur) and a piece on the growing divide amongst the young and older punk scenes in Belfast. And of course the inevitable punk quiz. Not so many pix in this issue, but there's still a large cache in the centre spread from last years Rebellion festival. Despite the bullshit, despite the egos this is still one of the most honest and entertaining zines around today. FREE with an SAE to BILL, 5 GLEN ROAD, BELFAST BT5 7JH billyriot@hotmail.com |
| MOST PUNKS ARE TOTAL ARSEHOLES #3 Autumn 2007 **** This was a blast from the past! Last time I recall an edition of one of the more imaginative London punk zine creations (Fear and Loathing still taking the choice cut for bumper punk rock exposes) was way back on its debut issue circa 2002. 5 years later and I'm only missing one issue? Dunno what editor Marks been up to since? Maybe he's been banged up for jumping the tube, busy squattin in the wilds of Hackney or forming a Anarchist circle with like minded individuals? Well he's back and pleads for a 'gentle' review. As I can't really see him poncing down the 'dilly' he might just get one, coz that affinity for intelligent articles and stylish layouts is still very MUCH prevalent in this right on but but still pro working class outlook zeen. Alongside long gone punk snot rag monikers such as My God Can Beat Up Your God or Gluebag Baby, Most Punks Are Total Arseholes says everything in its title alone. You just know this is gonna be a snotty punk zine with something to say either you'll agree with or will be at least informed about, without the usual preaching that usually goes into the more challenging zines. I do however find myself reading well past their 'sell by date' reviews in the music and zine department. I suspect these were written when the records were out and valid maybe 2 years previous? And in this day 'n' age of web zine reviews, a few months later is classed as old news, which I'm very much aware of being guilty of myself. But you do notice within printed zines its more like years in some instances. That aside we savour this kinda zine for its superb choice of articles that cover a wide range of subject matter and content. Just too many to mention here, but the bigger chunks involved end of the world scenarios to 'Fuck Lilly Allen' outbursts, which I probably would. Some punks just ain't got no morals have they? Some of the more political features were hard to get into like 'If You Were Middle Class You'd Be Massive' and 'Catechism Of The Revolutionist', which both sound like Class War pilfered propaganda. But alongside more relevant 'East Enders Under the British Empire' by Jack London and 'Drugs A Solution' written well before punk was even a twinkling in a dead dogs eye, makes you realise punks were about even then! Music wise we get a sincere Dee Dee Ramone epitaph plus a profile with Spanish Antichrists Sin Dios and an interview with UK band Left For Dead from Hastings. This zine is literally sardined with black humour (read the workshy piece) and some of the ads, film reviews, digs at the rich, cops and authority as well as loads of other amusing side notes and snippets. And is presented in a well thought out design which beats its London rivals hands down. This is worthy of your attention and way less patronising than say Bald Cactus so there! Was that gentle enough? Still only £1.00 (postpaid) $3/3 Euro) worldwide (postpaid) or TRADE! Contact Mark at punkarseholes@blueyonder.co.uk |
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| NETWORK OF FRIENDS #3 Winter 2007 **** This thick chunky fucker has been out a few years now, but as I've only just got round to reading a copy (it's still available) I think its worth investigating. I always enjoyed the previous couple of editions of these Network Of Friends fanzine collaborations (10 contributions this time). Not so much about the ethics or political agenda, but because its always got something of interest. From primarily the north of England its expanded further northwards to include some Nordic contributors and even its first Canadian input. The cover art was a bit disappointing but its what inside that really is a pou pourri of right on punk action if you can forget your meat eating habits or your BMP votes. There really are a few interesting points of focus even for us white trash scum. Ripping Thrash gets the ball rolling and its editor Steve is still jovial and still very much passionate about his punk. He sets the scene with recycling and grow yer own being the current topic. I do cycle to work when it ain't pissing down, and sort my cardboard from my Carling cans, but I get the feeling its still not enough. To take yer mind off the guilt trip Stoke's hardcore messiahs of 16 years Kismet HC supply a massive ten page interview. They feature the irrepressible Deefeckt on drums and Zanne on vocals who should have had her baby by now so congrats are in order. Toilet Paper Bible's section is the first I've read anthing from this crappy zine and lets all breathe a sigh of relief as its their last. And like all good bog roll should get flushed down the shitter after use. From the shitty to the angry. Initonit hits us with 9 pages of rants. Pure and utter verbal with no pics or mercy. You have to admire the anger and the spite. We do get a few reviews to lighten the load which thankfully covers a wider spectrum of the punk scene than the stoic right on side of life. Agitate follows suit in black all the way from Shipley, but im afraid suffers badly from a faded print job which scuppers the overall effect. In case your wondering? The two bands feature Jap crust punks Framtid and raging Swedes Rajoitus, who even I have heard of. Theres a Brazilian D-Beat feature which should give you enough clues as to where this zine is coming from. More obscurities take the shape of Domd which also hails from Sweden but has by far the best web presence out the current zines in this issue (bar Ripping Thrash). I love the online layouts and the zine itself is no exception. They interview Lies Feed the Machine and Kvoteringen, as well as photos and columns. Back onto familiar hunting ground with Gadgie all the way from Lincolnshire, UK. It looks like Marv (or Sir to you boy) is still pumping em out in between teaching PE at his local Comp. Gadgie is similar to Initonit with a sea of print layout with only minimal art as decoration, but instead of going fer anger Gadgie concentrates on amusement and shares with us his take on his local Indian Queen and Boston punk scenes. Always good for a giggle and is rounded off by a vast array of reviews which cover most bases. It was followed by a Peruvian interview (in English) which sounded like it was held with Che Guevara instead of a punk band and didn't quite fathom who had contributed it or who Generation Perdida were? But they "ain't nihilists they're partisans of the struggle for Anarchy" so there! Leeds is represented by Headwound which is also of a similar bent to Initonit except from a deadly duo aspect. Seems like the initial enthusiasm for punk has been overtaken by University and left wing politics. We all know what students are like, I can imagine Rachel queuing up for vacant Liberty international posts in the near future. The writing is however still rather amusing, snide and comes with an expectant edge, which I do quite like to read in a zine. Long forgotten North York's zine Why makes a rare appearance. It features a massive out of date interview with the Mingers which I presume are now disbanded following the singers emigration to Bristol. John Why the Bish of Anarcho celebrates his ten year issue next and seeks defrocked priests and Al Quada rejects for contributions. Attitude Problem all the way from Canada features a vegan warrior editor called Steve who creates a zine that reminds me so much of the protest bands that appeared on Bullshit Detector one album in outlook. Similar artwork and attitude, combined with hand written/typed prose which is a neat touch featuring a rant on Climate change and interviews with fellow Canadians After The Bombs and Ballast to round things off. 200 copies printed up with one left as we went to press so get yer hands on it before it evaporates. www.rippingthrash.com/ |
| FEAR AND LOATHING #62 April 2007 *** I always look forward to reading this zine. One of the few today that can really hold your attention for long periods of time. However even zines of this calibre can have its off days as cover stars the Monks (not the late 70's "Nice legs shame about face" mob, but the obscure kraut band from the late 60's) don't look set to sanctify my sins or set my pulse racing. Especially with those side splitting haircuts. In fact a lot of the other bands featured in this issue are open to debate musically. It is Andy's choice and taste who makes the issue and we should all have an open mind, but Fear and Loathing #62 veers away from the captivating punk rock arena onto a more left field, avant garde scene. The music which does have its moments, isn't half as exciting as the usual array of contenders we are served up. All the bands do get dissected with the usual vigor and precision, but if your not really into a band or subject matter this volume of information leaves you skimming vast expanses of this zine. I mean c'mon the Scientists from Australia were never really that exciting in a confrontational manner, although mags of the day like Sounds would disagree. I doubt even current weirdos Knights Of the New Crusade complete in chain mail armour could be taken seriously. But they are American, so have some excuse. When all seemed lost in this deep blue issue, you just knew with quality zines such as this F& L they always manage to produce a back up plan to please critical punk die hards like meself. And there's a very good Goldblade/John Robb interview, where Mr motormouth answers a few intriguing questions regarding his books and punk documentary which is well worth anyones view whose into punk. Meanwhile Andy the editor goes for an Indian with CA punk pioneers Flipper who seem too nice to be punks and come across as real estate salesmen in complete contrast to their music. Be warned kids...middle age does have that effect on you. We round things up with the Cravats from nearby Redditch who I did actually like when I first heard em on John Peel but lost interest when they morphed from punk into all sorts of wacky styles. Lead singer Shend is now a jobbing actor and has appeared in BBC's Torchwood in between musical stints. As always there's a plethora of gig and record reviews in this 36 page mag. So you never come away without learning something. Andy bravely tells us in his editorial he lost his mom while completing this zine so belated sympathy's go out to him and his family. www.myspace.com/fearandloathingzine |
