A SHORT FANZINE ABOUT ROCKING

A Short Fanzine About Rocking was a print fanzine that started in 2001, covering punk, metal and a whole lot of hardcore. The final print issue came out in May 2014. It's editor and creator, Nick, sadly passed away in March 2015.

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ASFAR best of 2016

If you believe everything you read on the Internet, then 2016 has been the worst 12 months since years were invented. Yet, while this has been an unquestionably terrible time for pretty much everyone - when no idol is safe and the worst of us are being elected leaders - music continues to thrive like a cockroach in this cultural nuclear winter.

What I’m trying to say is that when things are shit, music only gets better! Got it?

It has been nearly two years since Nick Mann passed away. I can’t comment on how he would have reacted to the recent drop in empathy and IQ across the globe, but I am fairly certain he would have been extremely pleased with the current state of hardcore, metal and alternative music.

Looking over this list, it’s remarkable how a worldwide sense of unrelenting disappointment has coincided with one of the strongest years for heavy music in absolutely ages, across all genres. With musical and cinematic heroes falling by the wayside, countries divided, and rich monsters strangling the life out of communal common sense, there is definitely a lot of subject matter for musicians to make noise about. That said, a number of this year’s best records have actually been quite upbeat, placing the emphasis on community, inclusivity and *gulp* fun. I mean, if everything is going to get worse, then what better way to let off steam than to come together and mosh your fucking brains out?

I still think of Nick when I go to shows. He would have loved all of the following bands’ output, and it’s a shame he isn’t here to enjoy it. So as with last year, there are few charities you can send your spare pennies to who could really do with your help - WWF, London Air Ambulance, Refugee Council, Save the Children and the London College of Communications (LCC). More information can be found at the Nick Mann memorial fund. As my favourite Beastie Boy Ad-Rock so eloquently said, if you can’t spare any money, use your talents to make positive changes around the world: “Take what you’re good at, and what you truly enjoy, and lend your services to the causes you care most about.”

This time I have been cleverer enough to include a hyperlink to each of these organisations and the albums themselves, so please follow the links if you like what you hear. Plus there is a Spotify playlist at the very bottom if you’re a lazy bugger like me. Keep going to shows, buying shirts and telling the artists how much they mean to you, because, bullshit-aside all that really matters are the people and their riffs.

Thanks to everyone who contributed and helped! The fact that a support network still exists around DIY music and fanzines warms my dark, crusty heart.

Mike

Cult Of Luna & Julie Christmas - Mariner (Indie Recordings)

In a year where there’s not been a lot that’s grabbed my attention, ‘Mariner’ was one of the few ‘instant’ records I came across. CoL have always been about progression and with this new project, they’ve created something truly stunning with the help of Battle Of Mice / Made Out Of Babies vocalist Julie Christmas. Her ethereal, genuinely harrowing in places, vocal prowess fused with one of the most intense musical powerhouses around has made for a collection of songs as emotive as they are crushing. The deciding factor for this record was probably catching it performed live, in full at Damnation Festival 2016 - that was certainly an experience. Listen loud. 

Brady Deeprose, Conjurer

Oathbreaker - Rheia (Deathwish Inc.)

Favourite record of the year by far is Rheia by Oathbreaker. The last two records have been great but you can tell they finally found their own niche sound after experimenting musically but even more so vocally. So much variety in this record and honestly think there's something there for most people into metal/hardcore.

Mophead, Brutality Will Prevail

Bossk - Audio Noir (Deathwish Inc.)

Bossk's Audio Noir is s a masterclass in songwriting, with beautiful repetitive swirling ethereal riffs that can become both vast and overpowering at times. A particular highlight of Audio Noir is 'Kobe' - a song that I feel demonstrates the scope of Bossk's sound in a relatively short space of time. This record was a long time coming and it has delivered beyond all expectation - a perfect Deathwish release.  Anthony Sykes, Last Witness

Arms Race - NWOBHC (Painkiller Records)  Absolutely vicious hardcore punk from London in the vein of early Agnostic Front.  Patrick Hassan, Carry The Weight Records

Pup - The Dream Is Over (Royal Mountain Records)

By far my favourite album of this year is The Dream is Over by Pup. I was excited to hear the album as I'd had one of their tracks on a playlist for a while and really loved the intensity of their sound. The album surprised me because they managed to maintain that for ten tracks. The stand out track for me is Familiar Patterns, it's an anthem for anyone who's been sick of the routine of life.

Antonia Ronayne,  ASFAR Contributer

Angel Du$t - Rock The Fuck On Forever (Pop Wig Records)

I felt kind of a cheat choosing a record from the same label as last year but basically this record is just as fun and ridiculously catchy as Nonstop Feeling. Mike West, ASFAR Contributer

Travi$ Scott - Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (Grand Hustle Records & Epic Records)

My record of the year isn't a hardcore record but a rap record, 'Travi$ Scott - Birds in the trap sing McKnight'. After his last LP Rodeo (one of my favourites from last year) I was unsure where he'd go, this is way more subtle and a real grower of a record, the whole production and feel of the record are perfect with some great guest spots from Kid Cudi and 21 Savage making two of the best songs on the record!

Ben Saker, Breaking Point

Pinegrove - Cardinal (Run for Cover Records)

My favourite album of the year would probably be Cardinal by Pinegrove. It took me a while to properly get this band (I had been recommended them multiple times by band mates/friends) and after watching a live session, I got what they were really about. I went back to the album and it clicked. It's full of wonderful song writing and fantastic lyrics. The hooks are subtle but have a real staying power. The whole thing comes across as honest and genuine in a genre that is often dominated by bands creating making music that is the exact opposite of that.

James Spence, Rolo Tomassi

Nails - You Will Never Be One of Us (Nuclear Blast)

As my album of the year, I would probably choose Nails - 'You Will Never Be One Of Us'. I feel so conflicted by the band on an intellectual level, with the things they say and how they conduct themselves on and offline not to mention the album title itself. But, musically, this is the perfect distillation of everything Nails have done to date and it just makes me want to jump in the air and punch someone. Pure. Fucking. Crush.

Alex Fitzpatrick, Holy Roar Records

Architects - All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us (Epitaph Records)

It’s devastating that we’ll never hear any more music from Tom Searle, but what he left to us in this his final record, is undoubtedly some of his best ever. Both musically and thematically delving the heaviest depths Architects’ have ever explored, and at others their most introspective and vulnerable. If this is to be their last album, then so be it, but it’s one that the band can be incredibly proud of, and it will remain as a testament to Tom’s incredible talent.

Ed Newman, ASFAR Contributer

Renounced - Theories Of Despair (Carry The Weight Records) Emotional, melodic 90's metalcore a.k.a. Crymosh (when you can't decide between crying because of the beautiful melodies and fragile sound to those heartfelt yet depressive lyrics or just moshing everywhere and everything to death to those devastating breakdowns which happen to snap you out of your misery every now and then) from the UK, in the vein of bands like Hopesfall or Poison The Well. The LP came out on Carry The Weight Records this fall and literally continues where "The Melancholy We Ache" left. Can't find a single song on this piece of art which doesn't either give you the shivers because of it’s sheer beauty or is a total fucking killer and makes you go berserk! So better brace yourself for ferocious living room moshes (and emotional breakdowns) when putting this on your turntable. xrulex - Bound By Modern Age Records

Honourable mentions:

Praise - Leave It All Behind (REACT!)

Venom Prison - Animus (Prosthetic Records)

Every Time I Die - Low Teens (Epitaph Records)

Dwell - Innate (Blood & Ink Records)

Mizery - Absolute Light (Flatspot Records)

Basement - Promise Everything (Run For Cover)

Exalt - The Shape You Took Before The Ache (Good Fight Music)

Hesitation Wounds - Awake For Everything (6131 Records)

Expire - With Regret (Bridge Nine Records)

Throwers - Loss (Golden Antenna Records)

Gatecreeper - Sonoran Depravation (Relapse Records)

Paerish - Semi Finalists (14 Bowls Of Cereals)

Renounced - Theories of Despair (Carry The Weight Records)

Plague Vendor - BLOODSWEAT (Epitaph Records)

Trap Them - Crown Feral (Prosthetic Records)

Thrice - To Be Everywhere Is To Be Nowhere (Vagrant Records)

Homewrecker - Extinction By Design (Good Fight Music)

Against Me! - Shape Shift With Me (Xtra Mile Recordings LTD)

Rotten Sound - Abuse To Suffer (Season Of Mist)

Broken Teeth - At Peace Amongst Chaos (Nuclear Blast)

Deftones - Gore (Reprise Records)

Knocked Loose - Laugh Tracks (Pure Noise Records)

Black Peaks - Statues (Sony)

Ringworm - Snake Church (Relapse Records)

Svalbard - Discography 2012 - 2014 (Holy Roar)

Ancst - Moloch (Self-released)

Lonely The Brave - Things Will Matter (Hassle Records)

Fury - Paramount (Triple B Records)

Norma Jean - Polar Similar (Solid State Records)

Touché Amoré - Stage Four (Epitaph Records)

Joyce Manor - Cody (Epitaph Records)

Swamps - Mentally Imprisoned (Powertrip Records)

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ASFAR’s top albums of 2015

Nick Mann created A Short Fanzine About Rocking in 2001 to showcase hardcore and punk which had a major impact on the underground music scene across the UK and beyond. Earlier this year, one of the shining lights in the British hardcore scene was tragically lost.

Inspired by its inclusion in the permanent collections of both the British Library and the zine collection at the London College of Communications (LCC), I have rallied friends, contributors, bands and labels that Nick loved to choose their favourite records of the year. Included are some excellent albums which I’m sure he would have loved (some of which I’m sure he would have accused of not containing nearly enough “mosh”) and featured in ASFAR.

Thanks to everyone for their help, especially to his lovely wife Jen who is the bravest person I have ever met. I know that we could not possibly match Nick’s enthusiasm or excellent writing but it would be a shame to not take this opportunity to celebrate something he put an abnormal amount of effort into. Our thoughts go to his family.

If you would like to help further then there are a number of charities that Nick supported - WWF, London Air Ambulance, Refugee Council, Save the Children and the LCC. More information can be found at the Nick Mann memorial fund.

Before this ends up becoming a novella, I have included a playlist at the bottom for the lazy ones/those who cannot read. And finally keep going to shows, support local music and make awful mosh moves to keep Nick’s memory alive.

Thanks

Mike

Goatsnake - 'Black Age Blues' (Southern Lord)

I've been a fan of Goatsnake for a long time and didn't even think they would come back, nevermind with their best album to date. Monstrous, catchy, thick-as-hell riffs; glorious vocals and irreverent lyrics; perfect production and sick artwork. The vinyl only bonus tracks are great too. This is a perfect rock album.

Alex Fitzpatrick, Holy Roar Records

xRepentancex - 'The Sickness Of Eden' (Carry The Weight Records)

From the moment I put this record on I was blown away, the musicianship and overall sound of this is absolutely spot on. Pure 90's vegan straight edge metal worship, the lyrics are hard hitting and to the point. The only thing better than the delivery of this record is their live show!

Ben Saker, Breaking Point

Foreseen - ‘Helsinki Savagery’ (20 Buck Spin)

This LP hit the tail end of 2014 but the vinyl came out in early 2015 so I am counting it as a release from this year because it's THAT good. Perfect blend of 80's thrash and New York hardcore (particularly later Cro-Mags and Leeway). Every element of the music is relentless from start to finish and it's the real deal - no posing or contrived desperation, just authentic aggression. The artwork is great to top it off and the LP is a great follow up to the 'Structural Oppression' 7" from a couple of years back.

Pat Hassan, Carry The Weight Records

Rafael Anton Irisarri - 'A Fragile Geography' (Room40)

While I feel a lot of new records have passed me by this year, this is one I'd been looking forward to since hearing an EP he put out earlier this year. Powerful ambient//drone music that falls somewhere in between Tim Hecker and Godspeed. Always underpinned with beautiful melancholy. The perfect record to listen to on headphones and  tune out of everything else to.

James Spence, Rolo Tomassi

Hometown Hate - 'Worthless' (Self-released)

It's definitely not a ground breaking album, but its great to hear the this type of heavy hardcore done so well in 2015. Check out this Pittsburgh band if you're into No Retreat, Build Upon Frustration, End of Humanity or other PA bands. It's free to download on a their Facebook page.

Mike Wylde, ASFAR Contributor

Jamie xx - ‘In Colour’ (Young Turks)

I'd been waiting for this record to come out for a couple of years since the singles (especially Girl/Sleep Sound and All Under One Roof Raving) so I always knew i'd like In Colour, however I didn't expect it to actually surpass my expectations. The original sounds he has crafted by carefully selected samples is just mind-blowing. A special mention has to go to the fantastic artwork and contrary white label records that have surrounded this release as well.

Anthony Sykes, Last Witness

Turnstile - ‘Nonstop Feeling’ (Reaper Records)

Effortlessly old skool 90s hardcore mixed with chill indie wibes, Nonstop Feeling isn't just one of my favourite albums of the year but of all time! Amidst all the terrible brocore that exists hides this wonderful gem that isn't afraid to give songs space and dare I say it *cough* have some bloody fun.

Mike, ASFAR Contributer

Segwei - 'GUSH' (Fellow Travelers)

A band many may know from their split with End Of A Year (Self Defence Family) a few years ago. This 6 track mini album is their best work so far though. Their sound comes from a combination of many styles including revolution summer emo, 90s melodic UK punk and even a bit of 90s alternative. At no time does this album ever feel like a straightforward homage to any of this though, they have their own unique sound. The three main things that set this band from the majority of similar bands though are the drums, the catchy choruses and the vocals which ooze character.

Sam Knight, Renounced

Honourable mentions: 

The Spook School - Try To Be Hopeful (Self-released)

Radiator Hospital/Martha - Split (Specialist Subject Records)

Title Fight - 'Hyperview' (ANTI-)

Blacklisted - 'When People Grow, People Go' (Deathwish Inc.)

Harms Way - 'Rust' (Deathwish Inc.)

Build And Destroy - 'Vanished Crusade' (Lockin’ Out Records)

Xibalba - Tierra y Libertad (Southern Lord)

Malfunction - 'Fear of Failure' (Bridge 9)

Black Breath - 'Slaves Beyond Death' (Southern Lord)

Counterparts - 'Tragedy Will Find Us' (Pure Noise Records)

Regarde Les Hommes Tomber - 'Exile' (Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions)

Palm Reader - 'Beside The Ones We Love' (In At The Deep End)

Coldburn - 'Down In The Dumps' (BDHW)

Cancer Bats - 'Searching For Zero' (BMG Rights Management)

Drug Church - 'Hit Your Head' (No Sleep Records)

The Cowards - 'Rise to Infamy' (Throatruiner Records)

Forced Order - 'Vanished Crusade' (Revelation Records)

Employed To Serve - 'Greyer Than You Remember' (Holy Roar)

Loma Prieta - 'Self Portrait' (Deathwish Inc.)

Of Feather And Bone - 'Embrace the Wretched Flesh' (Good Fight Music)

Sleater Kinny - 'No Cities To Love' (Sub Pop Records)

Blistered - 'The Poison of Self Confinement' (6131 Records)

Deathrite - 'Revelation of Chaos' (Prosthetic Records)

Stray From The Path - 'Subliminal Criminals' (Sumerian Records)

Femme Krawall - ‘Femme Krawall’ (Spastic Fantastic Records)

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by Debbie Cox, Lead Curator, Contemporary British Publications. Some of the donated issues of ASFAR in the Humanities Reading Room, St Pancras. For very many years, the Library has collected zines – self-produced, small-circulation publications, informed by a do-it-yourself, not-for-profit, ethos, communicating a passion or cause to like-minded people. Zines...

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Update on ASFAR following Nick’s death

Nick Mann passed away in March 2015. But despite not being here with us in person, he is far from forgotten. I am doing what I can to keep his memory alive and ensure that the amazing work he did on his zine lives on.

From October 2015, full sets of ASFAR are going to be available to access as part of the permanent collections of both the British Library and the zine collection at London College of Communications. Thank you to everyone who has donated copies of back issues, you’ve been awesome.

I know some of Nick’s friends are going to use this blog as a way of celebrating his contribution to the scene over the next few months, so watch this space. But until then, never forget <3

- Jen, Nick’s wife

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ASFAR's top 10 albums of 2014

Just to prove I am still alive, and I am still listening to music, here are ASFAR's top 10 albums of 2014:

RENOUNCED - 'THE MELANCHOLY WE ACHE' (Carry The Weight)

COLD WORLD - 'HOW THE GODS CHILL' (Deathwish)

CODE ORANGE - 'I AM KING' (Deathwish)

ANGEL DUST - 'AD' (React)

NO SECOND CHANCE - 'BURDEN OF LIFE' (Eulogy)

BANE – ‘DON’T WAIT UP’ (Equal Vision)

BREAKING POINT – ‘SET TO BURN’ (Carry The Weight)

MOOSE BLOOD – ‘I’LL KEEP YOU IN MIND, FROM TIME TO TIME (No Sleep)

RISE OF THE NORTHSTAR – ‘WELCAME’ (Nuclear Blast)

MODERN BASEBALL – ‘YOU’RE GONNA MISS IT ALL’ (Run For Cover)

You can read my random thoughts on those records, and my fave gigs of the year over on Louder Than War at http://louderthanwar.com/the-year-in-hardcore-nick-mann-rounds-up-some-of-his-favourite-records-and-gigs-of-2014/

I'm hoping to contribute reasonably regularly to that site in 2015, and also to finally get around to posting a review or two here (maybe even later this month, who knows?!)

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There are less than 30 copies left of the final two issues of A Short Fanzine About Rocking - head over to http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com to order them now!

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I've got just over 30 copies left of the final two issues of ASFAR - once they're gone, that's it! Order yours now from http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com

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Some reviews that missed the final cut for ASFAR

For the sake of completeness, I just wanted to post these reviews online. They were sent through to me by a contributor the day after I sent the final issue of ASFAR to the printers and I didn't want his effort/views to go to waste.

I'll be posting my first 'online-only' reviews in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you haven't already, why not go to http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com and order a copy of the final issue now?!

ARCHITECTS – ‘Lost Forever, Lost Together’ (Epitaph) ANT NATION

I’ve heard people mentioning this band in almost revered, hushed tones for awhile but they’ve never crossed my radar until this dropped in the mail. When I do a review, I’ll do a bit of research first. Mainly to see what the hell I’m getting myself into when I press play. This helps if I like what I hear. It means I’ve done the leg work when finding out about previous releases etc. And if I don’t like it, well at least I was warned. This album has already broken into the Top 20 here in the UK and the collective UK music press seems to be creaming themselves over the band and this album, so with my usual approach I was kind of expecting a good outcome for this one. Hype is one thing but occasionally you have to just accept that something is not meant for you, and although the majority may enjoy it, it just washes over you. This album does nothing for me. It just doesn’t sit right for whatever reason. This is no fault of the band or the album itself. Maybe it was the Special Fried Rice I’ve just eaten, but the album just doesn’t get any reaction from me. I don’t dislike it. It just leaves me a bit “Meh!” A bit boy band metalcore-y for my taste maybe? Maybe it was the Scando-rock sounding production of the album that left me cold (Though I was thinking if Terry Date was on production duties, he would knock this out of the park) Regardless, a lot of people seem to be getting something out of this album. You might be one of them. But I’ll get off this ride here thanks because it’s not for me.

  HUNDREDTH – ‘Resist’ (Mediaskare) ANT NATION

South Carolina melodic hardcore kids Hundredth return with the companion piece to their 2013 EP ‘Revolt’. While ‘Revolt’ was a more in-your-face experience, ‘Resist’ is a more poignant, thoughtful affair. ‘Resist’ eases in with ‘Wake’, a 36 second instrumental that brings early Mogwai to mind before flicking the melodic hardcore switch with ‘Shelter’. It’s not a full on, frantic affair. When it’s fast, there’s no concern that it’s going to lose itself. The band are in full control. Every note is hit hard, steady and deliberate, with plenty of room to breathe. Bill Stevenson (Descendents) and Jason Livermore (Stick to your Guns) do a fine job on the production side of this release. Making the band sound big but not overpowering, allowing the actual tunes a chance to shine through. Vocals although with the typical H/C bellow are clear and sharp, allowing the lyrics to be fully absorbed by the listener. Guitars sound more than able to capture the different facets and directions of the music, without making any changes sound forced. Drums and bass are exactly what the music needs to push it through to maintain its high level. The EP ends on another instrumental number. This time it’s ‘Wage’ and it doesn’t sound a million miles away from Mogwai’s ‘Punk Rock’ with the speech provided by Vietnam vet / peace activist S.Brian Wilson, ending the EP on a thoughtful note. All in all, a good EP.

  MAGIC MOMENTS – ‘Don’t Fall For Me’ (Haus Ov Fuck) ANT NATION

I always try not to be judgemental with anything I come across in life. Be it people, places, literature, music etc. Sometimes you can’t help but have a stereotypical initial reaction and I don’t mind holding my hand up and going “Guilty” in this instance. I opened the package containing my batch of CDs for the next issue of ASFAR and soon as I saw that the label for this release was called “Haus Ov Fuck” my immediate reaction was “Urgh! Goth meffs!” I popped it into my CD player, ashamed with myself that I could be so judgemental and stereotypical without even giving this CD a go. Track 1 kicks in and my brain went “Urgh! Goth meffs!” Sometimes the first reaction, no matter how bad, can be the right one. Yeah it’s a bit of a morose experience but it’s not without its merits. Musically it’s good, in a Michael Mann 80s movie soundtrack type of way. Vocally, it’s a bit Richmond. If it was an instrumental affair, I’d like it. As a whole package, I can’t help but think that somewhere there’s a pale guy with badly dyed hair writing bad poetry to this. And a fat goth, with too much foundation, flicking herself off whilst hating the world. But that unfortunately is how my judgemental brain works. Sorry.

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If you haven't picked up a copy yet, head over to http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com now to buy a copy of the final print issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking. It features 88 pages of interviews, gig/record/zine reviews and columns - all for just £2.

The zine's also available from All Ages Records in London, Punker Bunker in Brighton, Rucktion Records, TNS Records, Fist In The Air Records, Lockjaw Records, Sticky Sounds distro, War Charge's merch. It'll also be on sale from the Go The Distance distro soon and copies will be available at Manchester's V-Revolution and Piccadilly Records from next Sunday (8th June). If you fancy stocking the zine, drop me a line about wholesale rates.

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Places you can buy the new ASFAR

The final issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking is available directly from me via http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com.

You can also get it from All Ages Records in London and Punker Bunker in Brighton, and copies are on sale at the shows War Charge are playing this weekend on the European mainland. The Lockjaw, TNS and Sticky Sounds distros either have copies in stock now, or will do in the very near future.

I'll be putting copies on sale at V-Revolution and Piccadilly Records in Manchester on Saturday 7 June.

And...I'll also have copies to sell at these two shows in London tomorrow and next Friday:

https://www.facebook.com/events/440429532769425

https://www.facebook.com/events/453017098166015

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Final issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking on sale now!

The last ever print issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking is available now from http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com. All orders received by the end of today will be sent out tomorrow. 

It includes interviews with Comeback Kid, Bane, Brutality Will Prevail, More Than Life, Modern Baseball, King Nine, Malevolence, Forsaken, War Charge, Losing Sleep and To The Wind.

Plus loads of gig/record/zine reviews and a whole host of columns.

88 pages in all for just £2!

I’ll also have copies of the zine to sell at these gigs in London over the next couple of weeks:

Me & Goliath and Losing Sleep @ The Victoria on Friday 23rd May

Ninebar @ The Unicorn on Friday 30th May

The zine is now in stock in London's All Ages Records, and will be available from Punker Bunker in Brighton later this week. War Charge will have copies to sell at the shows they're playing on mainland Europe later this week, and it'll be on the Lockjaw Records distro in the next few days.

If you’re interested in stocking the zine on your distro, in a shop or on your merch, wholesale (i.e. cheap) rates are available for bulk orders. Email ashortfanzineaboutrockingATyahoo.co.uk for more details.

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Final issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking out now!

The last ever print issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking is available now from http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com.

It includes interviews with Comeback Kid, Bane, Brutality Will Prevail, More Than Life, Modern Baseball, King Nine, Malevolence, Forsaken, War Charge, Losing Sleep and To The Wind.

Plus loads of gig/record/zine reviews and a whole host of columns.

88 pages in all for just £2!

I'll also have copies of the zine to sell at these gigs in London over the next couple of weeks:

Downpresser @ Birthday's on Sunday 18th May

Me & Goliath and Losing Sleep @ The Victoria on Friday 23rd May

Ninebar @ The Unicorn on Friday 30th May

Copies will be in stock at London's All Ages from tomorrow, and it'll also be appearing in all the usual stockists (Punker Bunker in Brighton, V-Revolution and Piccadilly Records in Manchester etc) over the next couple of weeks.

If you're interested in stocking the zine on your distro, in a shop or on your merch, wholesale (i.e. cheap) rates are available for bulk orders. Email ashortfanzineaboutrockingATyahoo.co.uk for more details.

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New issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking out Saturday 17 May

The new, final, issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking is out this Saturday (17 May).

It includes interviews with Comeback Kid, Bane, Brutality Will Prevail, More Than Life, Modern Baseball, King Nine, Malevolence, Forsaken, War Charge, Losing Sleep and To The Wind. Plus loads of gig/record/zine reviews and a whole host of columns.

88 pages in all for just £2!

You'll be able to order a copy from http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com - full details of the zine are available there.

I'll also be putting copies in All Ages Records in London on Sunday 18 May, and I'll have copies to sell at the Downpresser gig at Birthdays in Dalston the same day.

If you're interested in stocking the zine on your distro, in a shop or on your merch, wholesale (i.e. cheap) rates are available for bulk orders. Drop me a message via here.

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Final print issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking - out next week!

Here's a sneak preview of the cover of the final print issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking, which has just gone off to the printers.

The fanzine includes interviews with Comeback Kid, Bane, Brutality Will Prevail, More Than Life, Modern Baseball, King Nine, Malevolence, Forsaken, War Charge, Losing Sleep and To The Wind. Plus loads of gig/record/zine reviews and a whole host of columns.

If you're interested in stocking the fanzine on your distro, merch, shop or anywhere else, then get in touch - cheap rates are available for bulk purchases.

I'll confirm the exact date the zine will be on sale in the next few days.

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Photos needed for the next issue of ASFAR

I'm looking for some sweet live shots of various bands to distract from the inanity of my words in the final issue of A Short Fanzine About Rocking.

If you've got recent(ish) photos of any of the following bands and are willing to let me use them in ASFAR, get in touch. You'll be fully credited and I'll send you a copy of the zine, of course.

The bands are:

Malevolence

Forsaken

More Than Life

War Charge

Brutality Will Prevail

To The Wind

Email me via ashortfanzineaboutrockingATyahoo.co.uk if you can help out!

[ashortfanzineaboutrocking-blog]

Advertisers needed for the final ASFAR

I'm putting the final print issue of my A Short Fanzine About Rocking out in a few weeks' time. I'm looking for labels/bands/distros/shops/whatever to advertise in there to help cover costs and make the zine as big as possible.

Let me know if you're interested in advertising - rates are mega-cheap, and I'm open to trades (for cool stuff, obvs) and sweet deals if you're that way inclined.

The new issue will include interviews with Malevolence, More Than Life, Brutality Will Prevail, King Nine, Forsaken, War Charge and To The Wind, Plus some more, for sure.

Drop me an email via ashortfanzineaboutrockingATyahoo.co.uk.

[ashortfanzineaboutrocking-blog]

Advertising and review deadlines for the final ASFAR

In case you missed it, the next A Short Fanzine About Rocking will be the final print issue. I'm aiming to get it out by the end of April, so the deadlines for adverts and submitting records and zines for review is drawing near.

If you want to get anything reviewed in the final issue, you'll need to send it by the weekend (Saturday 29 March), or I can't guarantee it'll be reviewed. Anything received after that date might sneak in, or be covered online. Maybe.

For adverts - the deadline to send ads over is Saturday 12 April. Rates are dead cheap (£20 full page, £10 half page, the £30 back cover's still available too).

The final issue's going to be jam-packed with interviews with the likes of Brutality Will Prevail, Malevolence, More Than Life, King Nine, To The Wind, Forsaken and War Charge. Plus a few more I haven't sorted yet.

If you want to advertise, submit something for review or have any other questions, drop me an email - ashortfanzineaboutrockingATyahoo.co.uk

Oh yeah, and maybe go buy the latest issue as well, yeah? http://ashortfanzineaboutrocking.bigcartel.com