Hanging Like a Hex #17 ($3.95, 201 Maple Ln., N. Syracuse, NY 13212) First off, this zine is absolutely packed with all sorts of information, whether it be interviews with bloodlet, ted leo, milemaker (isn’t this like the third zine this issue to interview them?), the timeline about the 9-11 events, or the absolutely crazy amount of reviews that Ryan puts in this issue. Looking at the cover of this issue, a piece by Chris Mascotti, and then looking at the title, I was imagining a large-market emo magazine. However, Hanging Like a Hex is much more based into hardcore music, specifically hardcore bands from Syracuse, New York. Syracuse is a recurring topic in this issue, whether it be the editor’s opening reflection on why exactly he stays in Syracuse, or the large interview from local act Bloodlet, and it provides a sense of continuity to the issue, a continuity that often is lacking in many a larger-market magazine. Ryan (the editor) has innovated in the placement of reviews in this zine; instead of having thirty or forty pages in a row just dealing with reviews, he has split them up so that a few pieces and advertisements can take off the tedium confronted by reading page after page of reviews. Other strongly-written pieces in this issue include “Dumpster Divingâ€, which is a tad low-level but does provide very detailed commentary for those looking for it and Jacob David’s “CIA Go Awayâ€, which is much different stylistically (although not topically) from the other pieces of David’s I have read in the past. A strong magazine, and one that I would have to recommend for any individual, regardless of whether or not they like hardcore music.
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
Beats: Independent Music, PC Gaming & Peripherals, Consumer Tech, Webmaster Tools
Testing & Ethics: All hardware, software, and media reviews are conducted through hands-on evaluation in accordance with NeuFutur’s editorial independence standards; sponsored consideration is strictly excluded from editorial ratings.
Contact: editor@neufutur.com