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'Regression'.
 'Regression'
is a Melbourne-based punk magazine that originally came out
in the early '80s. This eleventh issue of it is an attempt to
revive it some twenty years after it folded and proves essentially
a directory of some of the current talent in the punk and hardcore
genres. Within its pages are informal interviews with twenty-eight
bands: twenty of them Australian, five American, two British,
and one Belgian. Local bands are well represented, the issue
containing profiles of seven Adelaide groups: among them Bombscare,
Legless, NFI and Shrunken Headz. The interviews are arranged
in alphabetical order, and set out in an interesting "cut and
paste" format: the interviews cut into sections that are mixed
in rather random fashion with lots of band photos. While some
are fairly in-depth, others provide only basic details about
the respective bands profiled, although in most cases line-up,
contact and website details are given. The occasional set of
song lyrics is also provided.
In addition to band interviews, the magazine also contains four in-depth interviews with individuals who have played pivotal roles in the Australian punk scene: Queenslander Cameron Borg, John Feedback (formerly of seminal Melbourne punk band Depression), Adelaide's own Harry Butler, and Phil MacDougal of the now-defunct punk label Reactor Records. Inspiringly, although all of these individuals' involvement with the punk scene began many years ago, at least three of them are still involved with that scene in one way or another. Harry Butler is one of these three although his interview (summed up at its end as a "barrage of misery") proves a most sobering read, revealing a great deal of disillusionment with the scene. There is also a page dedicated to websites likely to be of interest to aficionados of punk music.
As a bonus, 'Regression 11' contains a two-CD set entitled 'Regressive Abuse'. Containing fifty-three tracks between them, and having a total running time of over two hours, these CDs feature music from all but two of the bands profiled in the magazine (the unlucky omissions being Australian bands Macauly and Rule 303). Most of the bands have two entries (as does a group not profiled, locals Hi End Audio). These CDs alone would make 'Regression 11' a worthy buy, although the magazine is more than capable of standing by itself as an interesting and informative read.
James Brazel
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