| RIOT 77 #19 January 2017 ***** Be jyzus this issues cover really don't sell this fanzine at all with its paisley attired Flamin bloody Groovie, a band who were old hat when the Ramones blew them off stage back on tour in '77, but if you can get past the gaudy cover you'll be pleasantly surprised by whats inside. Even the Groovies interview is bang on and as always interrogations are this fanzines most lethal weapon. It's probing questions no matter who or what they're covering seem to always supply a riveting read and thats something no other zine does apart from the majestic Fear And Loathing. Riot 77 certainly looks good and reads good, similar to a pint of Guinness brewed in the editors home city. Richie Ramone kicks off things and gives us an insight in to his 5 year stint in the Ramones, the later dealings of the band, especially the 'Too Tuff To Die' album. Meanwhile In complete contrast the overrated Ruts DC are getting a lot of fanzine exposure lately, and all they talk about is Malcolm's legacy and classic Ruts reign, coz lets face it the new stuff they traipse out is fuckin dire. Walter Lure ex Heartbreakers on the other hand is always a good prospect to grill and a brilliant guitarist to boot. A colourful ex junkie, then mainstream stocks and shares broker, so he's got plenty to say, and still even wears his pink striped school tie after all these years. Johnny Moped was always a third division punk act back in the day, but he did make one minor classic 'Darlin Lets Have Another Baby' 45 and his Damned affiliation still looms big but I get the feeling he's not totally into what he's doing. So he's back gigging and still looks like he's a duck outta water. You won't get any political column or observations in this fanzine, no PC rules and regulations which is a welcome relief from practically every other UK zine I read these days, who seem to ram the same old PC shite down our necks issue after bloody issue. Riot 77 is all music and is littered with over 18 pages of book, dvd, live gigs and record reviews in this sharp glossy cut 'n' paste 48 page publication. Its still '77 in some punks eyes and its a riot to read so get your copy now! 3.00 Euros riot77magazine@hotmail.com |
| ONE WAY TICKET TO CUBESVILLE #20 Early 2017 ***** This is another oldie but goodie with a fantastic eye for detail. I particularly love this issues notepad design which sorta resembles those old notepad books you used to get and is very attractive on the eye with its A5 layout. One Way Ticket To Cubesville is a classic example of a fanzine that has definitely learned from its prehistoric debut issues regarding layout and design. And the attitude is still good and fresh without being too preachy, although we do get more vegan pages this issue, but like all the content you can soon breeze through it so doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth or attract a certain type of punk scene. This ain't quite as enthralling as the last issue, but it ain't far off and still worth your attention. If ever I see a new copy I get it coz whatever's inside your almost certain to enjoy. Issue #20 is inspired by the classic punk intro '1234'. And the clever structure concentrates on punk acts who are solo... TV Smith who gives us an insight into his book of lyrics '50 Songs' which I really wanna get, as I believe TV's lyrics especially in his Adverts heyday were the most adventurous and dramatic and give even John Foxx in Ultravox! a run for his eloquent money. Followed by Two Sick Monkeys from Swindon who are fast and furious in your face punk. I admire their honesty but wasn't a big fan of the vocals, but they offer us some neat views from the toilet circuit which they've been gigging around for 16 years and could well be over by the time you read this. This zine must be a death knell, because Manc power trio Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man are also calling it quits in 2018. Finally a raging, feminist, post hardcore quartet from London called Petrol Girls. Now here's an angry girl, not sure I'd like to be on her shit list, but as long as you ain't a fascist, misogynist, capitalist, nationalist, you'll escape the scissors she brandishes in the promo. We also get pieces on the Spanish Civil war, some toilet humour and an hilarious piece on Runnin Riots ex drummers jumper being borrowed by a certain Kurt Cobain. Followed by an intriguing piece on the early 80's meteoric rise of Shit On Society yeah me neither? Apparently their demo tape sold for £400. We are then offered 9 pages of book, music and zine reviews with Culture Shock cartoon cut out figurines to adorn your mantle piece. £1.25 One Way Ticket To Cubesville |
| ARTCORE #36 March 2017 ***** Always look forward to Artcore and each issue comes with a slick video promo which is a fantastic way of promoting a fanzine and proves with a little imagination and know how, we really have come into the 21st century when grubby fliers in soap sodden stamped envelopes were your only form of advertising once upon a time. But all things in the Artcore premier league of fanzindom superiority are not all rosy, for there is a new Irish pretender and rival in the slick, glossy presentation stakes, a certain Riot 77 covers more bands from my personal punk tastes while Artcore offers the bands and the predominantly US hardcore scene it covers with exciting intensity rarely seen these days. So its neat to have such a good choice. This latest edition from the arty slick Welsh fanzine features a damning anti Trump editorial. You'd almost think Welly was living in Silicon valley instead of the Welsh valleys, but whether its Trump or May or even Corbyn they are all rich cunts out for their own prestige and ego, but at least Trump's honest about it. This issue featuring Upright Citizens 'Facts And Views' 7" EP on red vinyl with a 12 page 7" booklet featuring the bands 1985 U.S. Tour report and download code. So if you think the £6.50 cover price is steep think again. The actual zine features 36 pages of interviews with Boston's relentless D-Beat entrepreneurs Green Beret who I quite liked, but not as much as Tottenham Oi! outfit Crown Court who seem a strange choice for Artcore to cover, but I gotta say they're one of the better Oi! groups I've heard for quite a while and provide some interesting answers to the questions. Just wish he'd asked em about Trump lol. Hot Mass hail from Swansea and bring us the more melodic side of hardcore we usually associate with this zine. UK's Jaded Eyes are on Boss Tuneage and it sounds like it too, London based outfit Shot! are a lot more interesting musically and artistically. Sao Paulos Flicts are melodic Portuguese singing anarchists with working class values, but if you hear them they could be singing about coffee grinding for all we know or care? The terrible sounding Natterers from West Yorkshire are actually a lot better sounding than their name implies, but any band who drinks tea in rehearsal must be completely batty. With 5 pages of over 100 record/zine//dvd reviews you notice the volume of reviews has significantly reduced these days, but the size of the print is a lot more easier on the bins. The Vaultage section which is usually my fave part of the zine features a massive 4 page Upright Citizens interview from West Germany, who have a sound from the early 80's punk booms with UK/US influences give us an interesting US tour perspective back in the early 80's when it was hard for young European bands to tour. Plus a Dag Nasty interview who look back on their past and present, a 3 page interview with Bill Stevenson of the Descendents who have made a comeback. Melbourne's Vicious Circle, LA's Shattered Faith and Anti-System who've also reformed without original singer, also make an appearance. It closes with an interview with ALL/Descendents cartoonist Chris Shary whose art features on the inside and back sleeve of this publication. As always not the king of punk publications at the moment, but still the main contender and still a neat read. New issue available as we read! £6.50 27 Llantarnam Rd, Mynachdy, Cardiff, CF14REF, Wales, UK ARTCORE |
