Retrogression

#9 $2 (c/o Brian Hull, 104 Newport Ave., Attleboro, MA 02703)
by Scott Hefflon

One of the better looking hardcore ‘zines that maintains the one-man-show ideal. Printing (not photo copying) 3,000 copies, and selling them at shows and through distributors, makes Retrogression of reputable size, yet keeps the personal views and thoughts of an individual. Funny and interesting interviews with Sick of it All and Earth Crisis, scene reports and stories from various people and places, photo galleries of some of the non-household name hardcore bands, and personal thoughts (sometimes called poetry) by a variety of people. I really like some of the opinions and slogans. “It’s OK not to be a dick” seems to be a theme. To me, that compensates for some of the painfully painful poetry. Some pieces are uplifting, and some make me want to hit the whining writer with something really big (like my bullshit bravado). Without reading the pulp of hardcore ‘zines, Retrogression seems to be dependable, positive, thoughtful, and interesting.