Issue #06 (December, 1988)

Contributors come and go. I recall writing the editorial of this issue and remember the mourning of The Murderess' retirement. After all, with degrees done and dusted it was time to find media work that you could live on. However I was a little behind that eight ball. I was more than happy combining the 'zine with community radio. Fortunately rents were more affordable back then as well so there were few  incentives to work full time - part-time at most was about all I could stomach! Plus, I was in training wasn't I? Surely Id be able to one day go to the college of knowledge (university) via my "work apprenticeship".

This issue contained features on two of my favourite Melbourne bands at the time; White Cross and Crown of Thorns. The former who were initially from Perth, released this understated gem

Paula Henderson's sax was up there with Louise Elliott from the Laughing Clowns (check out 'She Lives In Another World'  ) plus any band that had Ash Davies on drums (he later on joined Crown of Thorns) you just knew had to be good. Peter Mather and his songwriting relationship with Nigel Harford was the best - listen to what is the single of the year in 1988 for Double Jay Radio Sydney

I was lucky to catch up with Peter Mather in Melbourne when I was working on the Blunt book in the late 90s. He hadn't played guitar for over a decade. As for Ash he played drums for Crown of Thorns plus many a Melbourne band including the fabulous Matt Walker and Ash Davies who played the the Corner Hotel Richmond launch of the Blunt book - a Biased History of Australian Music (2001 - Prowling Tiger Press). Paula played in the second version of Fungus Brains in 1989 before heading over to New York. Not exactly sure where Nigel got to.

Crown of Thorns were a bit of a super group band with the affable Chris Wilson (RIP) on vocals and harmonica - a force to be dealt with, who exuded such passion and energy in his live performances.  Barry Palmer (Hunters and Collectors) was guitarist + they had a gun rhythm section w/ Chris Rodgers and Pete Jones (RIP) from Harem Scarem who proceded Ash Davies.

To listen to Chris Wilson's extended coverage, check out this worthy purchase

Finally Distant Locust cannot be forgotten - one interview I really enjoyed doing whilst working on the Australian Independent Music show at Radio Skid Row. Brian Purcell, Matt Bright and Steven Moore all became my contemporaries of this time and the band were pretty shit hot I must say. Everyone raves on about their exceptional unique version of 'I Feel Love', but there was so much more and I am glad that it's been catalogued on youtube and the like. This unashamedly original unique band, formed in 1982 surviving a good decade in Sydney before getting that taste of Europe which they always deserved and felt home in. For reference go here  You can also find what Brian has been up to in Northern NSW etc.

Matthew has kept busy over the years with Alien Christ then Galaxy Fuzz Band

Steven lived and worked in NYC for some time at NASA before returning to Australia more recently, living up in the FNQ.