Commitment issues. We've got them

Traditionally, we’ve been told, magazines have a release schedule. Which we did, albeit loosely. But when the phone rings and a soft yet suggestive voice asks if you’d like to throw a release party in South Africa in six weeks time, you say, ‘Yes of course’, and then wonder, 'How?’.

An actual deadline we had to stick to. We used to take pride in missing them. Now we’re committed to them. Is this growing up?

Anyway, in this case, growing up meant we had to get back to work, and who else to inspire us to do so than guys who shaped our (ongoing) grom hood, such as CJ and Taj. Seeing them putting so much energy into their own ventures, we found renewed vigour for our own. The stars of productivity aligned and yes, you’ve guessed it — we’ve been busy since Vol. II. Three quiet weeks in the library with the Volcom team in Portugal is always a good way to add substantial gravitas to the 27 Club theory. Being arrested and held at the Slovenian border with Sammy Montano whilst in our heads wishing we were back drinking Cidra in Zarautz. Watching Dane surf his own shaped boards at the very same Zarautz at the best lo-fi contest we’ve ever attended. Joining Skegss on their UK tour, described by our young Catalan reporter as being ‘utterly savage’. Pints in Manchester, jarras in Fuerteventura, vin in Biarritz, and rain in New Zealand.