| SAVAGE AMUSEMENT #23 Winter 2009/2010 *** Savage Amusement is back! I think Trev Hagl has had more punk writing sequels than the Harry Potter series with Negative Reaction, SA, HAGL, or even his beloved Toon when Wolves annihilate 'em next season! Its not a major comeback, but publications like this need to be here! This A5, 8 page 1000 print run features the most up to date street punk/skin orientated sounds from around the globe. And carry's on from whence the bigger more in-depth fanzine faded out. Its a sure sign of the times that zines/newsletters like this were once inundated with review material just 3 years ago. You even had bands fighting for a review spot. However times change and nowadays the freebies can barely fill a few sheets. Corporate greed has a lot to answer for, and has put paid to freebie land and decimated the punk scene, never mind the world economy. With no money about, bands, labels and zines are folding like hopefuls in Britain's Got Talent backstage area after a Simon Cowell put-down. Savage Amusement however is still here, all be it struggling to fill a few pages which is a shame. As its only through pure fanaticism with the sounds that punk inspires that publications like this keep going, to give cunts like meself a sniff of the current action be it from record or zine review. As always the taste factor is still pretty high and can be trusted in most cases. No pix, just factual opinions FREE at gigs or go online and read it at Trevs myspace page c/o trevhagl@hotmail.com |
| MAXIMUMROCKNROLL #320 January 2010 **** With zines like MRR you just have to buy a copy whoever is on the cover? And as I personally can never guarantee when ill have the option to pick one up, I think most punks do delve into this institution. Despite its 'right on' crust mentality, MRR still has something for everyone if punk is your favoured choice of reading matter. This issue is dominated by the Top Ten Of The Decade (2000-2010) feature, which is basically all the staff writers giving us their Top Ten punk releases from the last decade. Beefed up with substantial reviews and opinions from each scribe on their soundtrack of choice. Haven't come across Stench yet? On a more serious note, sad to see one of Bruce Roarhs last columns before his untimely death in March 2010. Bruce was always promoting bands that were more in my train of thought...rowdy, gritty, but with good tunes (shame about the haircuts). So it will be a sad loss if his vacant column space is handed over to some nasal puritan with about as much credence as Nick Cleggs spin doctor. We still got Al Quint whose celebrating his 5th year at MRR and hits the big 50 himself by the time you read this. Is it me or are older punk views on 'new punk' a little easier to bear? I did spot an amusing tale by Broniez who candidly tells us about the night she fucked a cop! Flys 'peops' cartoon page is always worth your perusal and seems to feature an array of dysfunctional characters from the punk scene. This time its an obituary for Valerie Eternal, a NY art/performer. Interviews in this issue feature Londoner's Control, who ordain hooligan rock 'n' roll, front cover stars D-Clone from Japan who by the looks of em condone leather, bristles, studs and Saki, dark Canadian punks Complications are less abrasive and Broken Water are a haunting feminist outfit from Olympia, WA. A bohemian place which has a nice street full of bars I once toured while roadying for Sado-Nation. British book author Ian Glasper of Burning Britain/The Day The Country Died fame gives us the inside story into his third book on the UK punk scene called Trapped In A Scene. A tombe which covers everything from the '85-89' era when punk merged into thrash and finally the dark ages of metal crossover. Finishing off with a plethora of book, movie and record reviews. Noticeably the books and movies skim our universe with vague punk connections, but the recordc and zine reviews are definitely here and now punk in all its grotesque forms. From right on screamy snotty formats, to melodic pop punks and the occasional testosterone boneheads...its all here. MRR is still the one to beat even with their new coordinator/editor rotation policy in place. So it might add a few surprises. $4.00 from www.maximumrocknroll.com |
| RIOT ON YOUR OWN #35 March 2010 *** It's been threatened for a while now, but Riot made numerous comebacks. Now in the cold economic climate of recession and apathy in the NI wings. it now looks like this is truly the last issue of this hilariously funny, scruffy. snotty little freebie from the streets of Belfast. ROYO kept punks inside and outside of Belfast punk rock scene entertained, informed and in tune on the shenanigans and innuendo that filtered through the scene onto these pages in the form of gossip, views, reviews, celluloid and of course those thousands of pics that littered it's issues since day one. 9 years ago I was passed a copy of ROYO #4 by Mick Rant (wonder where he ended up?) and its a zine that's always put a smile on my face ever since. A decade of information and infamy (remember the PC tirades) later. ROYO will I think be sadly missed more so after its demise. I get the feeling it was took for granted by certain scenesters but if the hunger to write and report is gone could you expect Bill to carry on? A city like Belfast needs someone to jump into Bills boots and report on new perspectives, bands and the scene in general. But I doubt that will happen with half as much enthusiasm or regularity as Mr Riots shoddy epistle. This is the guy who slunk in through the back door at night while yer sleeping tight and run off a few hundred zines on the works photostater and all for our reading pleasure. I met Bill once on the streets of Morecambe and he's a decent punk who I should've with hindsight arranged for a proper drink as he's a no bullshit or pose kinda geezer. Which is the only kind of punk I have time for these days. Bills back page epitaph should be read as it spells out the reasons why he's quitting and is nothing else but blatantly honest. Bill hasn't decided yet what he will be doing next? Apart from going to gigs and singing in his band Hard Case. But I suspect it won't be the last we hear or read from this dry, funny, wordsmith. For the record, inside the final issue there's a Slits profile, a punkette picture quiz, some good shots from guest photographer Janer as well as a riot of reviews and festival reports to read for the final time. As the studs on the jacket read 'RIOT!' FREE! FREE! FREE! billyriot@hotmail.com |
| VIVE LE ROCK #1 October 2010 ***** Gotta say this is turning out to be just what the high street needed as far as punk rock is concerned. An 116 page mainstream publication which is on a par with Big Cheese, but with less of the crud masquerading as punk. It could be a little blinkered if your under 29 but as the song said, "you gotta lot to learn". The people behind it are mostly unknown to me, but I do recognise a few names that were/are associated with other punk mags from the not too distant past including Andy Peart (Sounds), book author Alex Ogg, both of whom wrote for Lee Woods much missed Spiral Scratch mag back in 90's. And of course the ever present textual slag John Robb. There's a couple of zinesters thrown in the mix too, but not any of the ones from the grubbier side of the scene. However overall coverage is guaranteed. The interviews are exceptional featuring a neat array of misfits with Lemmy from Motorhead, whose warts are growing nearly as big as his grime encrusted wrinkles. Rancid’s bass-player (forget his name?) is really milking his other bands reputation coz the cunt can't sing for toffee and his new band sound shit. A fresh looking Imelda May could be Dave Vanian’s long lost sister circa his 'Eloise' period. And yeah I know she ain't punk, but you gotta give this girl credit for making her new slant on rockabilly pop a deserved spotlight in manufactured chart territory. Jaz Coleman from Killing Joke appears more sinister and out of touch as he gets older. But then goes and blows it all with another slag off of England. Which is all good and well if you actually live here. But like Rotten et all he can go toddle off to his island paradise when he's finished fleeceing us one more time...tut tut. Meanwhile Devo are promoting their first new album in 2 decades, but still look plastic. This debut issue is dominated by a 10 page Ramones perspective with a good Tommy Ramone interview. The sole surviving original Ramone finally gets some copy time after being pushed to the back after all these years. There's some other good input from an array of punks who tell us of the Ramones influence on them. And rightly so. There's is a distinct rock 'n' roll flavour that creeps in when you least expect it. As an Eddie Cochran obituary is unleashed and a handful of bands who look pretty dire in their quiffs. Even Hank Williams is interviewed. Thought the Cure gig at Wembley in '89 didn't really merit a 'classic gig' status, but the Rough Trade records piece was very fascinating. We also get some early observations on the Manic St Preachers when they were a lot more punky and pretty good live. We are offered a 6 page pictorial history of last years Rebellion festival with only GBH, Becky Bondage, TV Smith and Demented Are Go still looking interesting on stage, unlike the rest who look bald, old and fat. The glam element is from Sweet, and some old New Yorker who looks like a fat pearly queen. But the punk element is prominent with a neat look back on the Ruts. Spider Tracy from the Pogues gives us an insight into the bands history which is a great read. Glen Matlock tells us about his new album and for the Anarcho sector there's a Steve Ignorant interview followed by a rare Gang Of Four interview, whose members ain't aged well at all! The record reviews are as varied as the roster of acts covered and comes with a FREE CD featuring Adam Ant, Killing Joke and Vice Squad amongst others. Well worth the £4.99 cover price. Vive Le Rock |
| BALD CACTUS #27 January 2010 ***** This zine always brings back fond and not so fond memories. But whatever way you look at it, BC has kept solidly to its attitude and presentation over 20 years. There's absolutely no time for compromise, no time for change now. But with the new print job over the last few issues we wouldn't change it for the world. Bald Cactus just won’t change and to be truthful I'm glad it doesn't. Andy the editor is still prickly in his taste and prose but you do detect middle age setting in as he's into darts these days tee hee. Interview wise this issue features Section 13 who have ex Depraved/ Visions Of Change singer in their ranks. And if I remember correctly the Depraved were a pretty potent force. Section 13 seem to be continuing in that direction musically, but the name sucks as you could get mistaken for all those other ‘section’ whatever bands in the scene. However these lot from Leamington Spa are influenced by early 80's US hardcore but sound wise offer a very British take on the genre which is a big relief. ICH or Ice Cream Headache admit the name sucks, a bit like 3CR or IOD or even SLF (only kidding). ICH do sound better than they look or read. They are fronted by 3 white ‘middle class’ (their words not mine) dreads, which is a warning sign. But manage to play spasmodic punk all gnarly and thrashy which is apparently their only saving grace. Highlight of this issues interviews came in the shape of Burnt Cross who really do inspire a fresh reaction from the current limp underground protest scene. And even this old Crass fan found em rather enjoyable. Check out their sounds freely available on the net. It's Anarcho but with tunes and a few new ideas. They have captured the sound perfect without seeming like trashy copycats. I’d say they could be the best new protest band I've heard on these shores since Terminal City Richochet or the Restarts. And whats good about it, is these twins (yeah they're two brothers) have their own views which makes their sentiments and sound so much more potent. Pity they don't plan to gig in the future on a regular basis, coz I hear they get loads of interest. But this deadly duo have other commitments beside punk which gives them an unblinkered mind set. We get quite a few of Andy's rants this issue to fill it out, and he is quite good at these. Covering such extreme subjects as agreeing with people who vote BNP... tee hee. What will they say down the 1 in 12 club? How he attracts nutters, ha! I know how you feel mate. The size of his knob, braver than most lol, the joy of Eastfield who I can totally agree with having seen 'em the other night, and football violence. Which was a lot more fun in the bad old days. Finally his moms penchant for swearing lol. The reviews as always are short, but give you a distinct understanding of whats on offer. In all gotta say middle age is suiting Bald Cactus resoundingly! And still only 50p. c/o 145-149 Cardigan Rd, Leeds, LS6 1LJ United Kingdom www.baldcactusdistro.co.uk |
| MAXIMUMROCKNROLL #330 October 2010 ***** Have to admit I only bought this coz it featured a rare Stench review and I won't bore you with the details. But lets just say its nice to know we can still get away with murder in the march of time lol. With the irritating minor outfits out the way. You may have sussed by the cover that this issue is the Cocksparrer issue. Apparently its the first time in a decade or so MRR has interviewed probably the biggest skin band on the planet. So it's a shame MRR's longstanding Oi! coinnesseur Bruce Roehr never made it for this interview. I’m sure he would've gleaned a little more info out of em or airbrushed their answers with enthusiasm than whats in here! Because not matter how many venues they fill across the globe and how many records they sell. I honestly can't see their appeal in print? And live was a bore too for me. This band personality wise are just like a regular bunch of middle aged geezers you could find in any London bar in the metropolis. If I was an 18 year old skin I doubt id be pouring over this interview with quite as much fascination as some of their early exceptional records or with as much vigeur as I polish my ten hole cherry red Dr Martens. But its a crazy old world we live in ain't it? Other interviews featured Danish trio De Hoje Haele who have a Frank Zappa/ Beefheart fixation, oh deary me. They look like they just stepped outta the 'Hair' movie. Veins from New York are a totally different ball game. These play intense full on hardcore with exceptional style, and features Youth Attack records arty weirdo Mark McCoy in their ranks. The indie sounding street punks UV Race from Melbourne Australia are on next yawn, followed by the Moonhearts from LA who play trashy garage. We then head over to Sweden and all girl band punk outfit Beyond Pink who are pretty good in a rough round the edges Kleenex meets the Lunachicks kinda way. Fave interview come from the Irritones from France who are a new band formed by ex- Hatepinks singer and positively reek with attitude. We then head to Finland for Kakka Hata 77 who are a beligerent punk outfit who should've toured the US by now. Kontatto from Italy besides having a best looking girl drummer in D-beat actually deliver a sound that’s quite addictive even to these ears. Finally we get a little honesty in the punk scene from St Vitus that sole hairy outfit who managed to ostracise the metal crowd but were eventually taken in by the early 80's LA hardcore scene after being spat on. There’s a photogenic 4 page spread on the Japanese punk scene from the summer of 2010, which looks extremely enticing. The columns as always vary in interest and subject matter from disappointment to German politics, punk top tens, evolution, foreign junk, Omeba's bargain bin, botty pilfering, straight edge views, fishing (omg), qualifications, DIY recording, Newfoundland punk, left wing politics, obscure punk, all ages shows, loserdom, and NY Hardcore, phew! Oh and there's a mountain of reviews so look under 'S' if your naive or curious. As always a little something for everyone but not as good as usual. $4.00 from www.maximumrocknroll.com |
| SPYING ON THE SCENE #4 Summer 2010 ***** Smallest and youngest zine of the bunch in this review session, but by no means the least. This orange photo stated job is full of the optimistic energy and experimentation we associate with punk literature. Kind of like how zines were mean't to be made. Not pretence or alarmingly accurate, just a great way to voice your opinion. Tampa Bay's Spying On The Scene conveys enthusiastic, optimistic, disposable snapshots of an ever changing scene, that could by next issue, be gone within the blink of an eye. Transient views from a transient scene which makes a neat change from all the crammed full of info publications we see more of these days. The editorial is handwritten on regular notepad paper and informs us this is a fanzine "full of stuff I'm a fan of. Not you" ...and isn’t it good to be informed, instead of zines trying to make excuses if a band sucks or a viewpoint isn't exactly peer driven. I like this kids honesty. I noticed the interviews are a lot longer this time out. There's a five page interview with The Flaming Tsunamis from Connecticut that is littered with high octane in your face photos. And an 8 pager with the energetic tattooed Outbreak from Maine. Spying On The Scene has started asking local scenester's about important issues that effect them like... 'why does it seem so cool for punks to always hate on street punks?’ tee hee. And from the answers given, it still amazes me how US punks or the younger breed of punk see things so differently from over here. I never see this question arise in the UK punk scene? But there again, its rare I read or come across a zine done by younger punks in England these days, so what would I know? Enjoyed reading Oister's (the editor) Summer 2010 travelogue. Which saw our intrepid hero riding a scooter on a death defying rain soaked 200 mile road trip to see his favourite band play. And you know what, he doesn't mention the bands name once grrrr! So your left guessing right up till the very end, who actually did play to 30 people one night and 4 the next? Who could have a pet pit-bull for band security, and who...well you'll just have to read it for yourself. Finishing off with a short but in depth 2 page review section of local Florida punk outfits only. Only 100 copies in existence, so ask the Ed if there’s any left or if the new ones due out soon? Worth looking at for the enthusiastic approach and an insight into the local Florida punk scene. Costs $2 or trades I presume. For more information contact OISTER_77@YAHOO.COM |
| FREEFALL DRUNK PUNK RANTAPHON #5 November 2010 ***** Latest issue from Tom Freefall's Shropshire punk blurrrb. And it's another must read exercise. Tom's zine writing addiction is that of a man possessed when it comes to filling up page space, burning illicit obscure punk tracks or writing and snickering about it all in his printed attention to detail odyssey. It's taken way too long to review this jumbo and like previous issues, I'm still mopping up all the unsavory bits 'n' pieces. So bear with me while I sift through its comic sans pages once more to reacquaint myself with the ongoing spiel, and hopefully not miss anything too important. This zine will keep you preoccupied inside enemy territory for hours on end. And those all consuming tangents this is renowned for, mean you can pick it up and jump into any page and carry on without missing one grammatical error. It's a continuous monologue of the current and not so current punk scene and beyond. This time comes with an alluring front cover by a talented young goff/punk artist Jenna Whyte. Which really gives this issue a more serene other worldly vibe. That is until you get inside, then its punk punk punk all the way, in all its grotesque forms as seen from a Boningale perspective. From the crusty enclaves of doom to the transistorised ghetto of Anarcho and some back street punk gutter trawls in-between, to name but a few. It makes you wonder if Tom's record collection and zine library is housed in a barn in the farmers field next door? And the country bumpkin seems to be feeding his punk habit more times than he is outside the gig having a quick roll up, or inside the boozer draining some Brains. Good to see an assorted collection of zine reviews this issue, which I found bemusing they wasn't included in previous issues. As zines are an important part of the Freefall lifestyle. Initonit gets slagged while 12 months worth of MRR gets put under the microscope. Even more surprising is the 'random attack on a scenester'. Marv Gadgie was an unlikely suspect, but gets a merciless slap in face for being a bullying PE teacher who hates cats tee hee. And to think Mr Gadgie (or Sir to you and I) actually ordered a copy of this zine just to see what Litigation he could salvage. As with the zines, there's a monolith of record reviews to wade through. What a relief to hear Stench are crap on one hand, and “pure bile drenched winners” on the other. We also get a full on comic round up and some intriguing trivia regarding 'Psycho's' shower scene. I now know how Tom manages to incur so much detail in his live gig reviews, when he's not slumped up by the bar or sleeping in a lap dancers bed. I seen him scribbling away like a ginger ferret on scraps of notepaper at his last gig. So there is a method to his madness. And to top it all off, we get a FREE 34 track CD compilation which is always hit or miss if you hadn't discovered punk in the late 80's. But you do get exposed to the odd new nugget, so say no more. Next issue is in production as we speak. Rantastic! Contact... tomfreefall@btinternet.com |
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