This will not do. I know that it's probably part of some bigger circle and a lot of the bands feel 'ground to a halt. They may even go onto bigger and better things. But for the moment they haven't and I'm beginning to get pissed off.

Lightyear: This is the one that most upsets me. The first time I saw them was on the Household-name Records tour at the Milton Keynes Pitz. Never before has a name so fittingly described the atmosphere of a venue. We managed to miss Captain Everything (thanks to stupid directions that underestimated walking distance by about a mile not kidding). Adequate 7 came on and gave it their all as did Red Lights Flash but there was only about 10 people (3 of which were us) interested. Then Lightyear came on, told the crowd theyd been shit for the other bands and began to stir things up. What was funny was how the crowd seemed to grudgingly begin to dance just to spite Lightyear! Needless to say Lightyear, being the kind of band they are, didn't give a crap, the crowd got into it in the end and they played a great set- such is the awesome power of Lightyear. I was also fortunate enough to catch them at their last London gig at The Garage in Highbury. This was great. I could barely breathe, everyone was dripping in sweat, the crowd was going crazy and the band got naked. This was one of the most sincere, fun and excellent gigs of my life. It was here that it struck me that this is exactly the kind of band our elitist scene does not need to be losing. I am really sorry to see them go. Lightyear I salute you.

Joe 90: These guys thoroughly impressed me with their interview in Fracture. I thought they came across well informed and fair but also as a band doesnt take things overly seriously. Another band which I would far rather stay together than split.

King Prawn: To quote Nobody zine there aren't that many bands who are as honest and aware as King Prawn. You're damn right. Here is another individual band who have always done things their own way retiring.

The bands mentioned here are just a small proportion of good bands disappearing down the pan. It just made me stop and wonder. What's causing all these individual, talented, honest and long standing bands to split up. Why now? This cant just be coincidence can it? I mean, I dont wanna get all preachy; but right now with all this Iraq/ George Bush crap going on. We need bands like this who have solid opinions, are fair but also fun. I'm kinda worried that it may all end in a seething mass of bitching and back-stabbing.