Posted on: April 24, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0


The New Scheme – Issue 3. Full Size/56 Pages. This is one of the most professionally done zines that I have had the chance to review since Impact Press, which says a lot. The print run for this issue is 5000 copies, a feat that I believe was achieved to a clear and simplistic style. The typical abundance of advertisements are in this issue, but do not detract considerably from the magazine. They don’t make me want to buy the products in question, but that’s because I’m such a cheap bastard. A plus with The New Scheme is the choice to promote upcoming/unknown bands, instead of pandering to such big labels as Hellcat/Epitaph and the like. Of the four featured bands in this third issue, I had only heard of one (Shai Halud), and that was because I downloaded their cover of Anesthesia, by Bad Religion. A short, but well-written diary piece is also to be found in this issue, detailing a tour by The Fairlanes. The New Scheme also sticks to the tried-and-true zine formula of having all of the reviews in the back section, but maintain to have a high standard of writing when it comes to the thorough reviews. When The New Scheme wants to promote a band, it goes all out. This is evidenced by the first mention in the editorial, followed by the article itself, and is finished by the review in the back. This technique, while chancing repetitiveness, is actually an aid rather than a boon in informing readers about specific acts. A marked removal from a lot of the major magazines of the day is the lack of opinion pieces at a higher quality. This leads to a quick reading of the pieces while not causing boredom that comes with major numbers of pieces. Articles in here to definitely take a look at include the Nate Dogg piece, which is hilarious without being totally crude. The ability to be funny without being crude is a quality that not many people possess. If you want a viable alternative for Punk Planet or Jersey Beat, check this out. It is able to combine all of the good elements of these magazines while staying away from the shortcomings that they encounter. Pick a copy up from a local distributor, or send some money to:
The New Scheme
PO Box 19873
Boulder, CO 80308.

Contact information : [email protected].

Also, you can go to http://www.thenewscheme.com.

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