Issue 2 Editorial by Rainy Colbert
In my last diatribe, I argued for an ideal critic who is neither leech nor lice-picker, but standard ambivalent limpet.
"The limpet fixes itself upon its rock and sucks away, providing no service, receiving no nourishment. The limpet knows it can barely even see the rock but merely the algae that covers it. The limpet can't see nothing. Its eyes are its mouth and its mouth is feasting on slime. All it can know of the other limpets are the trails they have left in the muck. The limpet hopes to leave a beautiful trail. The limpet hopes to grow a beautiful shell."
I have already broken my own editorial rule by being both bloodsucker and lice-picker in my own piece, but, ah well. I confess I am no mollusc. Merely human.
Yeah Issue two. Nice! Once again you’ll find some wacky, adventurous and otherwise thoughtful writing with a mishmash of styles and music genres. Some post-rock, some screamo, some Mitski, some Manx children’s folk songs, and no less than four dancing reviews (!!). There’s something for at least several groups of people.
Mouthguard is anti theme, anti bio and anti page number, so you won't find them here. I have tried to ‘pull my head in’ re: the graphic design, so now there is only one font and a lot less clipart. I know postmillenial minmaximalism is all the rage, but until I learn how to make some biro scribbles look crusty, Mouthguard will remain a word doc affair.
And speaking of whatever, open your browser and type in "mouthguard.observer"- no .com. Here you can read all the stuff from the previous issue on Audible Edge, and also, some BONUS writing from Josten Myburg, Kassel Jaegerbomb and Wild Oats.
Yes the printed zine is just for ephemera (gigs, sightings, overheard sounds), but we'd love to make the website a home for album reviews and curated lists. Why? To re-enchant the web a small bit, and also, when was the last time you saw anyone write thoughtfully (more than 50 words) about an acquaintance's new E.P.? Have a look at Kassel and Josten's entries for some good examples.
Lastly, thank you everyone for your encouragement so far. If you’d like to write for the next issue (out mid October), do send us an email or message to join the rambunctious instagram groupchat (@mouthguard.observer).
Peace, Love, Lol and YOLO - Rainy Colbert