Always wanted to write for a magazine...

Another serving of FRONT is upon us thankfully, and it means another review from yours truly. I’m beginning this piece with the view to curtailing it slightly, following last months mammoth critique. No doubt I’ll fail at this attempt as I somehow always find things to say about the wonderful world of FRONT magazine, but I’ll give it a shot.

An ominous issue this month, with the news Alex Sim-Wise is leaving the team. For some reason I flashed back to the changes FRONT implemented a few months ago, where there was a backlash following the departure of the then editor to FHM. With Sim-Wise now leaving, I fear for the future and how FRONT will fill such a massive gap. I’ve never commented on Alex’s work in my previous reviews on this blog, I’ve always found her contributions beyond reproach, and commenting on a commentator never really seemed warranted. But I’ve always enjoyed the Wise ones two pages, and I don’t envy whatever tries to replace this hilarious howitzer of hyperactivity. More next week on Sim-Wise when she wows us with a farewell shoot. It’s disappointing her feature has waited till she’s on her way out the door, but I’m really looking forward to it.

Back to the front of 168 now, and the cover stars are Kitty and Gabrielle. Firstly I have to say, when tattoos are visible on a FRONT cover, it’s usually a sign of good things to come. Gabrielle has some stunning work on her body, and her pieces draw attention straight away! I also loved the green of the background, and it really played well with the weather in the UK at the time of release. The water-balloons and the summery feel reminded me of Seren Gibson’s wet t-shirt shoot from a few years back. However, I do have a few issues with the configuration of the cover shot. It’s a bit of a bugbear for me when FRONT integrates photography with graphics/cartoons. It has to be done incredibly well for it to work, and I don’t think this cover achieves that. The models look amazing, Gabrielle’s scorching blue-eyed look over the shoulder is perfection, and Kitty’s stare screams menace, as she supposedly readies a balloon of water to hurl at our heads. But when you look at the water-balloons they’re just stuck on the cover, and are easily mistaken for text bubbles. They don’t marry with the image at all, and believability goes out the window. With this in mind, we’re left looking at two beautiful women, holding their hands unnaturally; Gabrielle with a claw curled around her back, and Kitty standing there like she’s about to summon a Ryu style Hadouken. It’s a shame, and took a little edge off the cover for me.

Inside we move on to the letters page, and a shameless plug for content coming up on this very blog :) Rebecca Bone’s immense appearance in issue 166 was heralded by Jamie Rowson. There was nothing of note about Jamie’s letter, I just wanted to mention Rebecca is coming on the blog soon, and her showing in 166 always deserves praise :) Moving on…

Page 14 begins the “Full Frontal” section, and introduces Ryonen. I must admit at first glance I was taken aback by just how young Ryonen looks, something I’m sure she gets all the time. That’s why I think FRONT has included her age in the intro line. With reassurances it was ok to admire this lady, I continued my enjoyment. It’s in the Full Frontal where experimental shots are welcomed it seems, here we get a very mood rich set from photographer Chase Lisbon. The choices made by the photographer do obscure my appreciation somewhat I must admit. I understand it’s a stylistic choice, but it’s a massive departure for a FRONT shoot. It took me back to my Media Studies days and the technique of Chiaroscuro implicit in many film noir pieces. The OTT shadowing all adds to the feeling I got that this shoot was a bit of a tie-in with page 24’s blurb about the photographer’s new movie “We Must Remain the Wildhearted Outsiders.” A feeling that left me a little uneasy and detracted for the experience slightly. Don’t get me wrong, Ryonen is stunning, and her work on pages 18 and 19 in particular is impressive. I love how her body tells one story on page 18, while her eyes tell a completely different one. Her cascading hair over her breasts is simply perfect, and throughout the shoot Ryonen is sporting such cute underwear, that peeks from the page. Page 19 is my favourite shot, she’s not looking into camera, but you want her to. Sporting a divine nose stud, her face is serene and ethereal. Her shimmering skin is in contrast to her magnificent bust, which is squirreled away under her hair and the shadows of the shot. I’d love to see Ryonen back in FRONT in the future, she’s got such an interesting look, and her eyes are magic. I just feel this issue was not about her, and there was a self-indulgent tinge to Chase Lisbon’s use of this set.

Page 30 is my next stop and an honourable mention for Hannah Snowdon’s contribution. I loved the personality of her pictures, and the examples of her work on display are sharp and multifaceted. Her brief interview was entertaining, and I shall “watch this face” as the article suggests. Well found FRONT.

Alt Girl time now, and this month she’s called Keshia. I really enjoyed Keshia’s showing for a number of reasons. Firstly, and obviously, she’s a very attractive lady, who knows what she’s doing in front of the camera, and who knows what the FRONT readership and the Alt Girl section is all about. Also, in contrast to the “Full Frontal” section’s shoot, these photographs are full of energy and colour! They gave me a little jolt as I was looking through them, and kind of perked me up for the rest of the issue. Keshia’s first shot on 54 is a nice intro to her feature, there’s a shyness to her stance that works well, her gaze is down, and the expression on her face is one of preparation, gearing up for the striptease that follows. Page 55 is all about Keshia’s eyes, the top image is the reader’s first introduction to them, and we’re met with multicoloured pools of amazement :) In all three pictures on 54 I was immediately drawn to her eyes. They really tell a tale, drawing you in more and more before she glances away in the last shot and pulls down her bra with a nonchalant thumb. These three photos are a delight, colours from every angle; her eyes, leggings, bed spread, even her spreaders are vibrant! The three pictures seem in a constant state of movement, and it’s a very alive collection of imagery.

Keshia amps thing up incredibly on page 56 and 57 with a real bevy of photographs that have so much going on, and stand out individually. It was bitter sweet for this reader as I knew Keshia’s set was coming to an end, but what an end, and surly a good endorsement for a future reappearance. The first picture on page 56 is a poster waiting to be printed in my opinion. I love this image, and I think it’s my favourite from the shoot, but it’s hard to choose really. Keshia back to camera in the process of seemingly removing her underwear, it’s not a gratuitous shot by any means, but it’s sexy as hell, and the lighting, positioning and look off to the side of shot all add to the perfect storming image! In the top left hand corner of 56 is another exuberant picture of Keshia, and another of my favourites. We get a glimpse into her personality here, and the playful use of the bra along with her expression entertains. It’s a hard thing to get across in shoots like this, but Keshia manages it wonderfully. At the bottom of 56 and 57 is a classic glamour pose, but I mostly enjoyed the introduction of Keshia’s tattoos. They’re always a nice surprise when you can’t see designs from the outset, and they’re cute choices, with the lock motif on her right arm adding to the rainbow of colours that Keshia’s shoot absolutely was. A very good showing in my opinion, and I’ll be sending her my congrats for sure.

The Alt Girl DIY section was a mixed bag again this week, it definitely seems as though some sort of filter has been taken off the submissions. There are some tan-tastic and pouty entries, but also some interesting discoveries that I’d love to see more from. Page 59 has a trio of ladies that intrigue; Sophie Smith, Amanda Rourke and Gemma Webblewhite provide some good pictures. I could have seen Michelle Alexander making the move to Alt Girl proper if she wasn’t based in the states, but I think consideration should be given to Dawn Stone and Evangeline from the margin on page 61.

Summer is indeed here as the caption says on pages 82 and 83, and we’re greeted by a very sunny looking Gabrielle. She’s looking terrific bathed in sunshine and beautiful ink, along with a cheeky smile that is the epitome of coquettish charm. There are some gorgeous photographs of Gabrielle in this shoot, and I think FRONT need to pull back on the throttle on the double feature main shoots. One model always seems to steal the show, and Gabrielle certainly does that here. Right away I had my favourite shot from this set, on page 84 Gabrielle sits on a staircase toes a-pointing, legs a-kimbo, and comic expression working well. I’ll most certainly be framing this page n the future for display, it’s so fun, and sexy at the same time. Adjacent to that shot on page 85 we see Kitty and this is my favourite shot of hers from this issue. Standing in a drenched Fred Perry polo shirt, it’s an interesting image, and her almost blasé expression works so well. The picture screams “Yeah I got wet, but I still look fucking awesome!” It’s am impressive vision of a kick-ass lady, and there’s an air of the iconic about it. Maybe I’m harkening back to This is England-esque styling, but I like it.

Gabrielle is in the bath on page 88, and looking very mischievous indeed, her expression is one of playful menace, and it’s so cool. She’s in a bath of balloons, which is the only time the balloon motif from the cover is used in the shoot. For me it just goes to reiterate a point, and means FRONT could have scrapped the cartoon balloons on the cover and just utilised the models on their own, no visual aids were needed. Moving on to pages 90 and 91, again Gabrielle is featured, this time in a gorgeous shot that spans two pages, the use of light here is terrific, Gabrielle’s wonderful pert bosom is highlighted in the sun, along with her dazzling chest piece. Your eyes follow the arch of her back down towards her posterior, and her chosen pose is somewhat echoed by the mermaid tattoo along her side. I enjoy everything about this shot, the placement of her hands on the sofa’s arm, the twist of her upper body to reveal gorgeous artwork to camera. A far away gaze is useful here too, it adds a little poise to the photo, and heightens an angelic quality that’s created with the light.

Page 92 is an explosion of a picture, and also a hive of energy and colour. Gabrielle throwing open her top and revealing perfect boobs, the yellow of her garment picked up by the yellow blossoms on the tree in the background. There’s something about her face in this picture that reminded me of Rachy, FRONT forum aficionado, and all around gorgeous lady. It’s a very fun shot indeed. On 93 conversely, the fun and energy has switched to a more restful state, catching some rays, Gabrielle and Kitty seen from above, lie on the ground quite peacefully. Kitty is the rare focus of this shot, and her elongated torso is wonderfully shown off, while the story of the shoot winds down with this visage of two exhausted models.

The final image sees Gabrielle once again the focus of a double page spread, and there’s a message that even at rest, this woman is fabulously sexy. In the failing light of the afternoon, she lies on her back, with a twist to her hips and arms splayed to the sides. She’s wearing some knockout suspenders that suit her colouring and styling to a tee. Her positioning is that of a model who knows what she’s doing, and how to perfectly showcase herself in the confines of a tight space on the floor.

All in all this issue of FRONT had a tad more disappointments than it did successes. Keshia’s set was a highlight for me no doubt, and Gabrielle and Kitty provided some amazing shots. But all in all I think the news of Sim-Wise leaving began the issue on a bit of a downer, and the worry of what will replace her didn’t help. I enjoyed the main feature photo shoot but again, I think FRONT should stick to solo shoots from now on to save models jockeying for attention. It invariably leads to one model standing out and commanding more page time, and the other becoming somewhat of an afterthought. I guess we’ll see what next issue has in store for us, and I hope FRONT are going to pull it out of the bag with some new features, and I can’t wait to see Sim-Wise in action.

I don’t think I kept to my aim of curtailing this piece any, but I’ve enjoyed commenting, and I hope if you read this far, you had a good time too. These are just opinions, and I always welcome different viewpoints.  

The latest issue of FRONT has divided opinion in many areas of its readership. Not least of all in my own thoughts. It’s been described as the long awaited redhead issue, which I must disagree with wholeheartedly. Granted there are two redheads on the cover, and the surrounding cover space is largely crimson. But that’s where the red haired bonanza stops. Surly if and when FRONT eventually do a redhead special, they’ll feature ladies with rouge locks in every area of the magazine. This month we only see “copper tops” on the cover, and one of those is newly so in Hannah Martin.

Lets get started and talk about the cover shall we. With the redhead special always on my mind, I was extremely excited when I first glimpsed the cover of issue 166. Not only due to the abundance of red hair and backdrop, but because at a quick glance, Hannah had the look of a certain Jessica Weekley. On closer inspection I was a little disappointed, as I’m seriously craving the return to modelling of the wonderful Weekley. However I was very pleased to see Hannah back, and against popular opinion, I actually thought her red hair looked pretty fantastic. Now some FRONT aficionados and people I respect a whole lot say her dye job is pretty poor and the look doesn’t suit. For me though it gave her a dynamism and a fresh appeal. Unfortunately for me, Hannah’s new red do and her positioning in the foreground slightly, made me kind of overlook the stunning Lucy on the right. Utilising the quickly becoming “classic” FRONT twosome pose of one model’s hand on the others bottom, there wasn’t much that was memorable about this cover shot I must say. The surroundings and typography were reminiscent of FRONT’s previous dabbling in the occult, and the 80’s psychedelia that is currently everywhere at the moment. I wasn’t drawn in at all by it.

But you know I bought it because it’s FRONT, and I couldn’t miss an issue. Plus it’s rarely just about the cover girl, or girls in this instance. So turning the page I was hopefully of a stand out Alt Girl or Full Frontal feature. The first thing that caught my eye was in the top right hand corner of the welcome pages. I had no idea they actually made “Duff” beer, and that FRONT got sent a case was awesome. I know you can buy it at firebox.com now, but I’m hoping after this plug they’ll send me a case for free as well :) The letters pages disappointingly still featured that Peter Mueller bloke. I don’t see why FRONT are wasting the ink. Just put him somewhere meaningless on the cuntdown and be done with it! I liked the “comics special” to the right of the letters, but I felt it would have been better as a few pages, if FRONT could have generated the material to fill them that is. The readers’ shit page was nothing to write hope about really. I’m not one to criticise as I couldn’t match the skills on show, but I will say the Rosie Jones drawing looked very Asian to me.

On to page 14 and the start of the Full Frontal feature. This month it is with the double-entendre inducing Rebecca Bone, a lady I was not aware of previously, but FRONT always amaze me with their unknown starlets. Rebecca’s first shot on 14 is fantastic. It’s got socks and tattoos, which are two things I love, but more than that, the body positioning is pretty special, her hand on her left hip is perfect and her expression would be at home in any fashion magazine in my opinion. On page 15 we have a upright Rebecca, showing off the tattoo under her left breast wonderfully. Throwing in a cardboard cut out from the film “Despicable Me” made no sense to me, and seemed like it was just chucked in for a laugh. We’ve seen psychedelic leggings a few times in FRONT recently, and the chains and anchor designed ones on Rebecca in this issue were too reminiscent. I was hoping they wouldn’t feature prominently, I was happy to see they didn’t.

Pages 16 and 17 were a triumph for Rebecca, whose eyes and features demand the reader’s attention. Her coy look over the right shoulder on 16 is delightful, and the kissing motion she’s doing is a lovely touch. I also have to say how terrific Rebecca looks in the suspenders influenced undies. As much as I don’t appreciate the repetition of the style of legging on the previous page, these type of “suspenders” are a new garment on me, and I love how Miss Bone looks in them. There is a classy quality to the photographs on pages 16 and 17, but Rebecca’s playful side comes out on 18. The injection of colour with the turquoise beads helps, but the smile and dimples on display ooze enjoyment. It’s always nice to see a model having fun on camera, and the introduction of Rebecca’s ink is very welcome. Page 19 is the final shot, and a classic FRONT photo featuring model on her back looking up into camera. Rebecca makes it her own with the crossed legs though, and it’s this ingenuity that may be subtle, but makes the images shine. It’s a true test of FRONT contributors when the nudity on show takes a back seat to the craft of posing and producing pictures. This is a marvellous first FRONT showing for Rebecca, her personality jumps off the page, and she expertly creates a mood that echoes what must have been a great atmosphere on set.       

Page 26 is our next stop and the news that Kevin Smith is due to appear in his very own reality TV show. Normally I don’t endorse reality TV as the majority of such programming is tosh, but a show with Smith, set in a comic book store can’t lose can it? Swiftly I must move on to pages 32 and 33. The feature with “Lights” was very cool indeed, mainly due to the beauty of the lady in question. I’ve never heard of her to be honest, and I’m no authority on Metal or Electro, but I was drawn in by the visuals and stayed for the entertaining answers. She’s a very attractive woman of course, and the paint party theme is a winner for me. But the answers given and the personality shown in doing so really endeared the artist to me.

Page 37 is another place I had to stop and pay homage to awesomeness. Alysha Nett appears in an advert for “Creep Street” clothing. Alysha has been in FRONT many many times over the last few months, and it’s always fantastic. There’s no fear of getting tired of seeing this wonderful model, and even though FRONT doesn’t have any input on adverts, they must be happy to see Alysha every time. In this image of Miss Nett, we see her resplendent in the sun. Fantastic hair and massive sunglasses creating such a cute visage. The “Creep Street” clothing also plays its part in making this advert notable. The cropped t-shirt allows Alysha’s midriff ink to be seen poking above her underwear. The underwear itself is memorable for a different reason all together. As I’m sure it is intended, the placement of the words “eat me” are quite provocative, but at the same time humorous.

Alt Girl time, and this month I was excited to see it was the lovely Ally Tindsley. Ally is a lady who is a bit of an enigma amongst fans of FRONT and the whole ethos of the magazine. She’s got quite a following of salivating support on tumblr and the like, and with good reason. Those who do follow her blog will find a magnificent collection of bare breasted photographs, along with humorous insights and personality laden comment. So there was quite a back catalogue of individuality to draw upon while enjoying these pictures provided by the immense Scarlett Studios. Pages 52 and 53 are a triumph right off the bat, peppered with images of Ally in various stages of undress. Working the green bottoms she’s sporting wonderfully, there’s a story being told in Ally’s expressions as well as the shedding of clothing. It’s a very personal shoot, set in a bedroom, but the communication between model and audience perpetuates this, and that’s largely down to Ally’s talents. Her exquisite figure is featured on page 53, as well as a peek at her wonderful foot tattoo. It’s a beautiful image set against the light filtering through the window behind.

On the final pages the playful nature of the shoot continues, as well as a smouldering picture that graces both pages, page 55 has some engaging pictures of Ally wrinkling her nose and drinking (sort of). These last two pages really tell the tail of a talented individual. Able to convey sex appeal as well as entertainment and humour in the same set of photographs. I always want more from the Alt Girl section of the magazine, but this month I really wanted more, an extra page at least just to enjoy Ally’s work for longer. But alas it wasn’t to be.

I was pleased that FRONT continued the three pages of Alt Girl DIY pictures. A welcome addition to last months issue, and I hope this means it’s going to be a regular thing. A much better integration between the first two pages and the last one this month, a better chosen advert worked perfectly, and the last page didn’t feel as separated as it did in issue 165. As for the ladies featured, it was yet another good offering. Having said that, after reviewing the three pages I was left feeling a little bombarded with so many images and characters to take in. I know I may be expecting too much from the DIY section, but I didn’t connect with any of the girls this month, and they kind of washed over me. I had my favourites for sure, but there didn’t seem to be much care and attention paid to the delivery. Too much of a good thing maybe? I think it’s evident that FRONT get a lot of applications, and if they were to spend more time on the DIY section, it would benefit the reader vastly (rather than the struggle to fit in as many as possible). Maybe even theme the section from month to month? Surly they have enough imagery to satisfy a monthly theme at FRONT, something like socks one month, or “rock chicks” the next? Just a thought. As mentioned, my favourites from this months offering were; Roxanne Ambrose, who worked wonders with her camera, and created real intrigue and appeal entirely with implied nude shots. Sophie Coady was another lady who rocked the implied nude, and I think she’d be fantastic in a full shoot, or at least more than two pictures. A little mention for Portia who has been on the forum since her appearance, and Cozmic from Essex who looked wonderful and I think could offer the magazine more in the future. I have to congratulate all the women who got featured though, truly terrific.

Finally on to the fiery haired twosome of Hannah and Lucy. Their feature started on page 84, and had a lot to live up to following sterling efforts from Ally and Rebecca. It’s funny, but I was not moved to check this shoot out based on the participants alone. Don’t get me wrong, they are both stunning models, but the partnership didn’t excite me really. The main hype for me about the feature was Hannah’s new hair colour, which I had not seen previously. Someone I won’t name, just in case she doesn’t want me to, made a good point about Hannah. She is largely used as part of a double act for FRONT, and it’s becoming her “thing” now. There’s a danger of her not being seen as an adequate solitary cover girl, and that can’t be good for the future no matter how much she enjoys the duo role.  

The first image from this shoot sees Hannah and Lucy embracing with Lucy looking into camera. It’s a expertly done “come hither” look from Lucy, and it invites the reader to turn the page. Hannah being arguably the more established girl is left with her face obscured by hair, and largely gets ignored. On 86 and 87 we have a “line-up” or sorts, which FRONT utilises from time to time. At a quick scan both models aren’t easily differentiated between, which isn’t good for either of them. The images on their own are up to the great standards set previously by FRONT features, and Hannah does what she does best, and her much seen cherry tattoo is extrapolated with cherries adorning the pages around the pictures. Lucy is radiant in her predictably red Dr Martins, and counteracts Hannah’s more flirtatious pictures with sultry glares and looks.

Pages 88 and 89 continues the playful and sultry juxtaposition with Hannah on 88 and Lucy on 89. Hannah is in a grid of four, working with hats and t-shirts and smiling out to camera. It’s pretty much what we’ve come to expect from Hannah after so many appearances in FRONT. One particular picture in the bottom left of page 88 I’m sure I’ve seen her do before. Lucy conversely on page 89 sits completely naked apart from her DMs, sucking a strawberry so seductively. It’s the best picture of the bunch as far as I’m concerned, and Lucy looks ravishing!

The double page spread on 90 and 91 picks up on a subtly from the shoot. The fact that both models have very interesting nail polish on. It’s a facet of the shoot that is an interest, but not enough to hold me unfortunately. Here we see Lucy’s fingernails above her breasts in a picture that does little except showcase a sublime pair of boobs. Which might be enough for many :) On 92 and 93 there seems to be a lull in the motivation behind the pictures. Both Hannah and Lucy don’t do much in these shots, and both pages are pretty flat.

94 and 95 brings my favourite Hannah Martin shot from the set. She’s engaged in a tug of war with Lucy over some red laces, using only their teeth. It’s a good idea from photographer or models, whoever implemented it. Hannah’s face carries the fun happy expression she sports regularly. You can tell both ladies are enjoying this pictures and it looks a lot of fun. 96 is a little bit of a shame as far as I’m concerned. Both models lie on their backs surrounded by sweets. I’ve seen Jessica Weekley do this same pose numerous times with various partners as well as solo. In fact it is this image that reminds me of Jessica and Hannah’s shoot from ages ago, a reminder that tarnishes this set a little actually.

The last picture finishes as a double page spread on 98 and 99. We don’t get to see either model’s face, but the idea is new, fresh and ends the set on a high note. Long socks and pert buttocks are (pardon the pun) cheeky, but the tone of their backs, especially Lucy’s shoulder blades, are unique. I’m sure you can tell from my words that I wasn’t enamoured with this shoot at all. I love both models individually, and have enjoyed their work previously. But together there didn’t seem the spark, excluding a few pictures here and there. It was a miss for me unfortunately, but I hope others out there had a different view.

Yet another offering from FRONT that I’ve shared a few views on. I hope these thoughts are appreciated, but I do stress they are only my opinions.

Picture was pinched from FRONT’s tumblr.