Suburban Voice is another of the slew of magazines that I’ve just recently learned about as being hallmarks of a specific scene. #46 is the anniversary issue, and just by going through the zine, reasons for why exactly people still look up to this zine are presented over and over again. Primarily focusing on the hardcore scene (though they are open to some other forms of music), Suburban Voice has a slew of informative, fact-driven (as opposed to bias-driven) reviews ranging from the now-endangered zine reviews to cd, book, 7 inch, and compilation reviews. Beginning off the magazine, the opinion pieces that are contained within are written in such a way that I actually consider myself to meet each and every one of these individuals. If one takes a look at something like Rich Mackin or Rev. Norb, Ecopunk or Adrianne, the pieces are quite informative but a general current of incredibility permeates their work. Aside from the approachability of the pieces, another very nifty idiosyncrasy of Suburban Voice is the interconnectedness of the narratives of Al’s writers. For example, a number of articles lament the closing of what was a cool venue in Regeneration, and the bands that played their. Suburban Voice may not have a focus on music I can really get into, but the writing is what will bring be back time after time to this rag (which coincidentally, is two months older than I).
Rating : 5.9/10
Suburban Voice #46 ($3, PO Box 2746, Lynn, MA 01903-2746) / Reviewed 22 September 2003