Spectrum

#3 and #4 $3 (P.O. Box 589, Hudson, MA 01749)
by Scott Hefflon

I’m really torn on this one: I know and like a few of the writers, I respect and agree with most/many of the reviews and opinions – but I think they really need to find a cohesive format, force their writers to use a wider variety of adjectives and comparisons, and (for Christ’s sake) hire a layout person who doesn’t just string a whole bunch of text together! I should back up a bit. Spectrum covers heavy music, both national and New England-based. Most of the writers really know their subject, both individual band history and the way they mesh into the current scene. Some writers use the dreadful clichéd jargon of the genre and can’t communicate sound into word. (I’m sorry to be so harsh, but if you can’t write, you shouldn’t be printed.) They interview important heavy bands and ask some pretty unexpected questions that give you a deeper understanding of the band. Some good bands get short-changed due to rather on-the-surface reviews. The running comic, Spiked, by Paul Griffin, is great! The funny, running introduction of Little Boy/Alien – I always look forward to seeing what they do next. Oh lovers of heavy music, keep an eye on Spectrum. Even if you don’t rush out and buy a copy, keep tabs on it. With a little luck Spectrum could be a knowledgeable, well-written, and attractive ‘zine dedicated to heavy music.