Always wanted to write for a magazine...

In recent times (the last two issues) I’ve been very critical of FRONT magazine and it’s content. It’s something I don’t enjoy when I’m reviewing a magazine I buy religiously, but I feel it necessary to pull them up when I think output is shoddy. Equally, I feel it’s very important to sing the magazine’s praises when they do something awesome. Issue 176 is that something awesome, and goes some way to restoring my faith in the publication.

There’s a lot to cheer about in this Christmas issue, so I’m gonna jump straight in. First of all the cover, featuring Nicole Neal. I love, love, love the pristine white background and masthead chosen for this particular issue, echoed in Nicole’s white shoes, socks and hat. It’s Christmassy, it evokes thoughts of a white Christmas, and it works! The gold highlights play on the Christmas theme as well, and the whole cover bludgeons you with festive cheer. Nicole’s positional choice is inspired also. It’s never advisable to turn your back on the audience in a cover shot, but this half turn and peer over the shoulder works great. Curled in a ball with her knees under the chin suggests someone sheltering from the winter cold (and with not much clothing on, someone poorly attired for the season). There isn’t a flattering way of typing this, but it’s meant with positivity… The splay of her buttocks against the hard surface she’s sitting on is wonderful. Nicole is such a breath of fresh air with this breezy colour scheme and underlying Christmasness, I don’t even mind the ma-hoosive hat she’s got on (usually a pet peeve of mine with FRONT features). I wasn’t that aware of Nicole’s work prior to this issue, but there’s something about her cover shot that excited me, and drew me in. Which hasn’t been the case in many recent FRONT first pages.

Moving inside, and I have to mention the limited edition Alt Girl cover that FRONT are selling in their shop. It’s advertised on the welcome page, and looks immense! Featuring all the ladies from the Alt Girl party special (which I’ll spend the majority of this review drooling over later) wearing not a stitch. They say there’s only 200 available, which I would assume means they’re all gone by now. I hope FRONT gets some more done though, I don’t see why they wouldn’t, I’ll definitely be getting one when I get my arse in gear. It’s the perfect gift for Christmas and there’s going to be a clamour for them… why limit the extra revenue stream to just 200? They’ve probably already thought about this, but get that image on a poster and they’d fly off the virtual shelves. Sort it out FRONT bean counters (by that I mean money men, to avoid filthy confusion).

This month’s Full Frontal has been used to flog a new Suicide Girls book. I’m usually all over FRONT when they use one of the three shoots to sell something, but I can forgive them for this, seeing as the Suicide Girls are fantastic. To advertise the book they’ve chosen well, picking the very elegant Leon Suicide. Her image on page 16 is my absolute favourite. Leon is ravishing in heels and knee high socks, clasping her hands in an innocent praying position, next to an angelic face. We get a glimpse of the artwork on the back of her thigh, and the whole image is serenely sensual. On that same page there’s a tiny interview with Missy, the Suicide Girls co-founder. I’ve been trying to get this lady on my blog for ever, and from the minute interview FRONT managed, it seems tough to get this busy bee involved with anything non-SG. On SG and FRONT though, I think a union between the two is long overdue. Many FRONT models are already Suicide Girls, or that route is a natural progression from FRONT. Surely a relationship between the two houses of hornyness could be created, to share models and mayhem between two companies bound by Alt appreciation. But that’s another conversation for another time…

Forgive my rush to get to the Alt Girl party feature, but surely you can’t blame me if you’ve seen it. Things of note along the way though are: 1) The Todd McFarlane comic feature 2) The Harry Potter boxset bit. Not for the Potterness, but purely because I love the look of the case it comes in. I want that for my pens and envelopes etc 3) Olly Moss’ silhouette art book looks fun 4) Zach Shuta’s artist profile 5) I also like the ZombiU “she’s got a body to die for” double ad.

Page 54 = the Alt Girl party special feature! Double the length and five times the awesomeness of a regular Alt Girl shoot. My head didn’t actually explode when I came across this, but it was bloody close. Starring: Rebecca, Bella, Abbie Mac, Chelsea and Keshia, this is inspired work form the decision makers at FRONT, and an awesome Christmas gift for loyal readers. It’s hard to know where to start when talking about this shoot, but I’m gonna dive right in. First of all, special mention as always to photographer Gemma Edwards. I always praise this ladies work, and with good reason. FRONT seems to be settled with Gemma as the Alt Girl photog now, and that’s a terrific decision. She captures the girls wonderfully well, with a tone and spirit that is quintessentially FRONT. That’s what you get when you hire a FRONT fan to work on FRONT magazine. Hint, hint FRONT HR department, come get me in 2013…

We begin the set with Chelsea, one of my personal highlights from the Alt Girl section this year. I had the pleasure of interviewing her for this blog a few months ago, and she’s such a cool lady. Her picture is a fantastic way to kick off this feature, after her beautiful eyes my attention was drawn to her perfect bottom, and just above that her splendidly curved lower back. There are some great choices in this shot; the look over the shoulder, the thumb pulling down her undies to reveal a perfect posterior. Epic!

Page 55 sees Rebecca and Keshia playing a bit of hide and seek under the bed, and beginning their respective stripteases. It’s wonderful to see Keshia back in the mag; I remember her feature with Mel Clarke a few issues back, where I commented on what seemed like a passing of the torch between the two models. If this feature is a glimpse into the kind of girls that will lead FRONT forward, then I’m excited about the future. I hope the insanely positive reaction to this Alt Girl special will finally give FRONT the courage to put more faith in their Alt Girls as featured models.

Page 57 sees Abbie Mac’s introduction to the piece. I’m a massive Abbie fan; she’s made some incredible choices in her modelling life, and has produced some awesome shots along the way. I rhapsodise about every FRONT appearance she makes, and it’s always yet another example of her versatility as a model. Pairing her with Chelsea on this page was another master stroke. The two play off one another very well, and the final image of 57 is immense, with the two mirroring each another in both pose and gaze. Sublime symmetry, and a shot I’d hang on my wall any day of the week.

On 58 Bella gets to show off. As with most ensemble shoots, there are some models that might not get as much coverage. Bella seemed to be in that position slightly, with the shots she’s in not always showing her face. However, in the shots where she is the focus, she rocks it. I like the picture with Keshia on 58 where Bella gets a heart drawn on her bottom. It those kind of pictures that highlight the fun that must have been had on set. Another example of on set camaraderie is visible on 59, with the gang together on the sofa chatting, while Keshia sneaks a peek over her shoulder to camera. I love the voyeuristic feel to this shot, like we’re privy to the most awesome secret society meeting ever!

On 60 and 61 the set comes to a close with a line up of buttocks. The girls stand side by side, revealing their bums in unison. I would have liked them all to be looking over their shoulders to camera, just a final show of unity from what was a stellar set. But it’s still a great picture; with Abbie’s sultry stare, Rebecca’s nonchalant bottle of booze, and Keshia seemingly checking out Abbie’s arse, all quaint and positive notes on which to leave the party.

It’s very hard for the DIY section to follow such an epic Alt Girl feature, but it starts very well with Zoe Sutherland getting top billing in the section. I mentioned that I was a little embarrassed for FRONT last month, as having Zoe only in the DIY section represented a massive oversight on their part. She should be featuring regularly in the mag as an Alt Girl or in the Full Frontal section. But it seems others had a similar reaction, and “back by popular demand” is a good thing to read. I really hope I get to see her working with FRONT in a more official capacity in 2013.

Other ladies of note form the DIY section include; the magnificent Bon Bon on page 63, she looks so effortlessly cool, and I’d love to see what she might do given a proper shoot. I’d also love to know more about this lady, and will endeavour to do so. If anyone reading this can help, then I implore you to do so. Georgia Elizabeth and Izzy McKenzie definitely fit the FRONT bill, petit and very pretty. I’d also like to have seen bigger shots of Manuela, another very interesting looking contributor.

As mentioned, this month’s featured shoot with Nicole Neal is the first main shoot I’ve been interested in for a few issues. If the Alt Girl feature hadn’t been so incredible, it may have had a chance at overshadowing that most divine of sections. Still, Nicole really impressed in her solo feature debut. Her first shot on 83 is wonderful for many reasons. I love that she’s on tippy-toes, I love the skirty/tutu-ish thing she’s wearing, and I love the outline of her breast against the light through the door. But I particularly love the look she’s giving to camera over her shoulder. A crooked smile that seems to say “you’re going to enjoy what’s coming. “ And she’s right about that.

Pages 84 and 85 bring an array of wonderful pictures that range from the sheer beauty on 84, to the sublime artistry on 85. I’m not sure who the photographer is on this set, but she or he has worked wonders on 85. Nothing overtly sexual, the abstract nature of the images just sings, and the light and angles are perfection.

On 86 we get a glimpse of the ballet and dance background that the piece keeps harking back to. A stretch in front of the mirror is utilised very well to showcase Nicole’s elegant figure, as well as the poise her dancing has given her. On 87 a light emblazoned Nicole reclines against the wall, her perfect bottom and breasts a feature, but not detracting from a very well thought through expression and look to camera. A double page spread on 88 ad 89 hints again at an arty penchant from the photographer. One breast depicted in dappled lace is a unique image, and one that is a welcome change from FRONT’s propensity for a gratuitous and anonymous boob shot.

The great shots continue, as do the demonstrations of Nicole’s flexibility. On 90 we see a quite unfathomable pose being adopted, with Nicole extending her legs vertically and balancing on one spot. The wide grin on her face does let slip the effort it must have taken to adopt the pose, but it’s impressive none the less. 91 sees a very different Nicole, with her hair pulled back against white light from behind, her pouty lips and slender neck are highlighted. It’s a very soft and beauteous picture.

The double page spread on 92 and 93 heralds the customary FRONT “model on the floor” shot. Again Nicole’s luscious lips are a focus as the sun casts shadows about them; it’s a stock FRONT style picture I must admit. The final two images also embody the FRONT style, but in a much more pleasant way. Nicole on the counter with cereal is the very epitome of FRONT petit cuteness. One eye covered with her hair, legs together, with one coyly raised to cover her v-jayjay. I really like the placement of the hand on the counter here, it’s a solid picture. Lastly, page 95 gives us Nicole’s best impression of Cameron Diaz. Just my opinion, but I thought there was a striking resemblance. Either way, you can’t beat an over the shoulder look to camera coupled with a double handed self-arse-grab.

This review is a bit of an essay I must admit, but with good reason. Thankfully I haven’t been complaining about FRONT’s decisions this month, instead I’ve been extolling the virtues of an issue I thoroughly enjoyed. Hopefully for anyone that thinks I’m just down on FRONT, this review will demonstrate how much I long for the magazine to be awesome again. When they do it right, I’m gonna praise them to the hilt, so that they may learn what I and many other readers love about the publication. It’s been one of the best issues in a while in my opinion, and as always, these are just my views. It’s marvellous to leave 2012 with a bang in terms of FRONT output. It’s been a rocky twelve months, but I hope my reviews have been entertaining to readers, but also helpful to similarly frustrated voiceless FRONT readers. As well as giving anyone that reads my blog over at FRONT towers, a constructive view of what their customers are looking for/wanting. Essay over. 

It was only last month that I mentioned it was about time FRONT “discovered” a new model they could elevate to main feature status and have a bit of a monopoly on before the likes of FHM plunder them. Little did I know that FRONT was planning such a move with the lovely Keshia. Previously starring as an Alt Girl and in the “Full Frontal” feature in last month’s issue, Keshia has worked her way up through the magazine to main feature status in the current edition. Very reminiscent of how Jessica Weekley moved through the various sections in FRONT, Keshia has achieved great success in a very short space of time.

Add to this the fact that in issue 172 of FRONT, Keshia is sharing the stage and page with a returning Mel Clarke, a FRONT favourite who has been away for a while working with FHM and on other projects. It shows the faith the magazine has in Keshia that they would allow her to share the limelight with Mel, someone I thought they might feature solo as she’d been away for a good few months. I’m hoping it’s the start of yet another spurt of FRONT original finds, and there’s a golden age to rival the period in which Jess Weekley, Rosie Jones and Mel herself broke through.

On to the cover, and a slightly contentious start I have to say. Mel adorns the front of FRONT this month, a fact that was very welcome when I first saw it. A Mel return was overdue, and I figured she’d be doing what she does best in the 14 pages that comprise the main feature. The fact that Keshia plays such a vital part in the main feature made Mel’s solo appearance on the cover somewhat misleading. I later found out after discussions with Keshia that she was indeed scheduled to appear on the cover, and that in the image seen featuring a solo Mel, she was seated directly behind her and had been removed. A little disappointing for Keshia I’m sure, and it may have made the experience of her first feature bitter sweet. Upon hearing this I was surprised and curious why Keshia was removed. Perhaps her status as a non-agency model meant she wasn’t as pushed or fought for in the decision making process? I can only speculate (by the way, if she’s still unrepresented as a model what are you agency types doing??? Sign her up!)

The cover image itself, featuring Mel astride an illustrated skateboard is of course wonderful. It’s always nice to see Mel on a FRONT cover. She’s done some fantastic work with FHM and other publications, but there’s something about seeing her on a FRONT cover that just works. She’s a vision in a pink bikini, her raven hair looking as awesome as ever. I’ve never really been a fan of the illustration/photography interplay on the cover of FRONT. It hasn’t worked so many times in the past. However, Mel’s hand placement on the board and her body positioning works very well. We get a glimpse of her familiar hip tat, and when that happens it’s always a good thing. It was nice to see her back.

Moving straight to the Jay Mawson shot “Full Frontal” feature and the lovely Beth. Now while this was again a terrific showcase of Jay’s talents as a photographer, I also viewed it as an exercise in trying to obscure Beth’s face for some reason. The first shot over pages 16 and 17 is wonderful, I love the body positioning, the lighting, the cigarette… everything! However, in every shot of the six page feature, Beth’s face is hidden by something. Be it smoke on page 17, the crease of the spin on pages 18 and 19, or her hair in the final shot on 20. I would have loved to have seen Beth’s face without any impairment just once. She did some terrific work with her body during the shoot, I love the first shot as previously stated, and her bottom in the air shot to end the feature is classic. But I didn’t feel like I connected with the shoot to be honest. There was something held back or hidden away, and that something was her facial features. It felt like a missed opportunity, or a shoot not fully taken advantage of in my opinion.

I have to hurry over to page 58 now, and the wonderful Alt Girl feature of issue 172. I feel like I’ve talked about this set many times already, as I’ve mentioned it loads ever since I first saw it. I’ve also interviewed the model in question on this very blog in the recent past. Chelsea is a talent that I have spoken highly of previously. Seeing her get an Alt Girl feature so soon after her debut in the Alt Girl DIY section, tells me lots of people out there agree with my admiration of her work. The shoot, brought to us via the camera of Tom Joy is, pardon the pun, a joy to behold. Colour follows Chelsea on every shoot, and not only due to her style and hairdo. The set is very fresh indeed and so apt for someone that is the epitome of a fresh modelling talent in my eyes.

There’s so much to look at in the series of photographs on pages 58 and 59. You could focus on Chelsea’s exquisite features and porcelain skin, or her glorious figure and sublime body placement choices. The shots work and display the model is a very positive light. My favourite photo from the first four is at the bottom of page 59. Chelsea is elegantly spread on a bed with so many awesome elements on display. We see the knee high socks, the ink on her leg, her pierced nipple, gorgeous face and of course her extremely cool hair. It’s a very enjoyable shot to take in, and one that would grace any wall or calendar.

On to page 60 Chelsea’s set continues. There’s a somewhat wasted shot in my opinion in the top right corner. Slightly gratuitous as a butt shot, we do see Chelsea’s stunning lighthouse tattoo, but nothing else is really focussed on. All the other shots are masterful, particularly at the bottom of page 60. Another depiction of Chelsea sprawled on a bed, but the play of light on her face is almost angelic. The story her body tells as you glance down is just great, and it’s something that benefits from numerous viewings. The final shot on 61 sums up the section and the model nicely. There’s almost an air of meditation to the picture, but with Chelsea’s cheeky smile adding personality as well as allure. Yet another shot we could see in the Alt Girl calendars of the future. All in all it’s a fantastic first Alt Girl feature, and one that I think is only the beginning for a promising lady.

The Alt Girl DIY section this month is a mixed bag or self shot loveliness. Aemelia begins the section with a main picture that is reminiscent of El Wood, she’s a gorgeous lady, and the smaller of her submissions are my favourites (particularly the bottom one of the two). Other highlights from the section include Alexandra Whitaker, who I would say would be a shoe-in for an Alt Girl proper shoot if she didn’t live in San Diego. A lot of personality in her pictures and of course she’s stunning. On page 65 Hope Brookes, Viki D and Carol Colesell made excellent submissions. I’d say keep an eye out for Jess Howard though. There was something about her pictures that I really loved, and even though they were only small and in the margin, I think she’s got a lot to offer.

On to the main feature now, and even though I’ve whizzed through the magazine, please don’t take that as an indication of lack of quality elsewhere. FRONT has pulled off some great pieces in this issue, and I had a lot of fun reading every word that was printed. But you know I’m itching to review the Mel and Keshia shoot, so it’s off to pages 88 and 89. The first shot of the pair together is on 88, where we get a glimpse of Mel’s awesome posterior and the tiny Keshia next to her. I’ve seen the ski lodge looking room their in before, I don’t know where, but it brought back a good feeling as I flicked through. The first solo shot from the set is of Keshia, again a statement of intent from FRONT. She’s sitting on a tiny skateboard, resplendent in pink and fabulous socks. It’s a very cute picture indeed, and her dishevelled hair and the glimpse of tattoos hint at the fun that’s in store. Mel pops up on the adjacent page in a steamy shower picture. Showing a breast and gazing out at us through half closed eyes, it’s a sultry shot to say the least. The curve of her body plays well against the droplets of water running down the glass, and its raw sex appeal. Even with the chequered jacket.

92 and 93 brings Mel’s expected solo double page spread. It’s a glorious shot and a credit to model and photographer. The use of light, the water in the background, Mel’s stare, her arched back and raised feet. It has so much going for it, and is a shot that (like many in this shoot) would make a lot of money if sold as a poster. This picture reminds anyone who may have forgotten or didn’t know, why Mel works so well in FRONT, it’s the perfect marriage of model and publication. Page 94 has more than a touch of the catalogue about it. It seems the stuff Mel and Keshia are wearing is the focus, and while the girls do their best its clear FRONT had an agenda here, and tried to placate certain companies.

98 and 99 showcases three more bawdy shots from the set and at the risk of sounding like an old man, the girls get very frisky indeed. There’s a humour and interplay within the pictures that really works though. I’m not blind enough to try and pass the images off as anything other than sexy as hell, but the execution is also great. On 98 we see Keshia having supposedly left a lipstick kiss on Mel’s butt cheek, and looking to camera mischievously. Moving on to 99 and Mel pull at Keshia’s pants with her teeth. The two are left arm in arm at the bottom of 99. It’s the kind of interplay that Jessica Weekley and Hannah Martin had in so many of their shots. There is a risk of viewing the images as purely sexual, but you have to pay attention to the ingenuity in what you see. I thought the lipstick kiss shot was particularly creative, and a nice new idea from a FRONT feature.

Another image that should be sold as a poster comes in the form of a double page shot of Keshia and Mel on 100 and 101. I love the contrast of the colourful ladies against the black and white floor. Mel looking into camera with wet hair, Keshia looking away with dry locks, it’s a nice juxtaposition and a picture that makes you investigate with your eyes. The hand holding is something FRONT has used before, but here it’s particularly perfect. Stick it in the store FRONT and I’ll be sticking it on my wall! What a way to end a sensational shoot.

It’s nice to get to the end of a FRONT review without anything to gripe about. Issue 172 has been the best issue in months, and it was awesome to see Mel back again. In Keshia I think FRONT have discovered a model they can look to for the future, someone in the mould of a Jessica Weekley who I hope they utilise more. Although a very different model to Jessica, Keshia has come up through the FRONT ranks and can be claimed as a FRONT original (much like Mel whom she shared a shoot with this month). I think that’s the future for FRONT in my opinion, and like I said above, I hope it’s a sign of another golden age of FRONT finds. I thoroughly enjoyable edition, and there’s not long to wait for the next one. Fingers crossed for a continuation of this quality.

The images used here were taken from the internet. Thanks internet.

I’m not sure why it’s taken so long for me to write this review of FRONT issue 171. I was excited to get my issues this month because I’d heard there were two covers, but I had no idea who would be featuring. As well as the novelty of two covers, I was also eager to see Edie D featuring as this month’s Alt Girl. I’ve recently seen a lot of Edie, what with featuring her on my blog and working with her on an interview for Snakebite magazine’s website (more on that to follow). She’s an in-demand lady right now and I wanted to see what she came up with in FRONT. It’s not the first time I’ve been more excited by the Alt Girl than by the featured models in recent issues of FRONT. It’s becoming clear to me that the Alt Girl and “Full Frontal” sections are the only thing keeping FRONT relevant at the moment, in terms of fresh talent. The Main shoots are featuring top talent, but the dynamism seems to be seen more in the shorter model sections.

On to this month’s offering from FRONT and the double cover special featuring Lucy V and India Reynolds. The covers themselves I was gripped by, two delightful images greeted me from the shelf at Tesco. However, I feel superheroes as a theme has been overdone this summer, magazines (and everything else) have been trying to capitalise on the release of Batman and Spiderman in the last few months. It seems to me as though FRONT are the last on the bandwagon, and that’s never a good look. Upon closer inspection, and after being reminded by Bow (http://natashabobasha.tumblr.com), I have to draw attention to this month’s similarities to a cover and shoot released by Nuts on the 23^rd-29^th of March. After it was pointed out to me I immediately looked back at the Nuts issue, and I was dismayed at how badly FRONT were beaten to the punch. India had even featured in Nuts’ issue back in March, as well as Rosie Jones. I see this as a sign that FRONT need to find the next crop of talent fast, and stop recycling models in similar shoots.

Two things FRONT’s version of the shoot has on Nuts’ are Jay Mawson and Emily. Jay does some fantastic work with FRONT, and Emily shows within the shoot that she should have been bumped to cover instead of India. I know India might be the bigger name, but Emily exudes what FRONT has been about for years, and seeing her on the cover may have broken the connection between this issue of FRONT and March’s issue of Nuts. But the covers on their own work wonderfully; I like the touch of a small black and white line drawing in the bottom corner of both (a nice comic book-esque touch).

Moving to the inside now straight to page 16 and Keshia’s “Full Frontal” shoot. I was so pleased to see Keshia get another outing here, I loved her debut in issue 168 and it was a nice surprise to see her pop up again so soon. Her last shoot was full of colour, but on pages 16 and 17 we began with a much more vampish vibe. The black underwear and hold-ups are a dream, still with a hint of colour though in the form of red spreaders. Page 18 brought my favourite shot of the shoot, Keshia smiling on a wooden kiddie’s tiger bike. I love everything about the image, Keshia’s smile is genuine, the high-waisted golden trousers looked awesome, and of course there’s the foot tattoo (I LOVE feet tattoos). It’s just a lovely picture featuring a lovely model.

Page 19 has another wonderful vision of Keshia. I love the stance, back to camera playfully looking over her shoulder. The massive bow in her hair plays very well indeed; a flick of the right foot into shot is the essence of cute. On 20 and 21 it’s leopard and cheetah print overload. I thought the prints were a little distracting as they are on the rug Keshia is lying on as well as her leggings. The final image on page 21 brings the focus back to Keshia, and her extremely beautiful and interesting face. It’s a topless image of course, but the main feature for me are her glorious brown eyes. With Keshia you always get a hint of tattoo as well, which adds to her intrigue I think. It’s yet another successful shoot for an up and coming model and artist in her own right.

Moving on to some impressive interviews in this month’s FRONT. Firstly starting on page 36 there’s an interview with Seth Macfarlane and Mark Wahlberg promoting their new movie Ted. It’s a film I’m itching to see, and the fact that it’s such an in-depth piece really speaks to the hard work from FRONT to get it done. Then on to page 46 this month’s 20 questions with Edgar Wright, a filmmaker whose work I always enjoy, and there are some funny insights and behind the scene’s stories from an interesting quick fire piece.

Just a quick mention for page 48 and the “gadgets” section; there’s a pizza t-shirt in the bottom right hand corner that I want desperately. It’s looks pretty delicious and would be a cool buy.

Page 56 and Alt Girl time now. It’s my favourite section of the magazine every month, and this issue brings us the wonderful Edie D. As mentioned above, I’ve had quite a bit of interaction with Edie recently, firstly featuring her on this very blog following her Alt Girl DIY debut in FRONT. Now I’m here reviewing her showing as an Alt Girl proper, and last week we completed yet another interview for the exciting new magazine called Snakebite (www.snakebitemagazine.com). She’s a model that has something special about her work, with a light and personality that brightens a page. Let’s go through her showing in this month’s FRONT (I will of course be promo-ing her Snakebite performance as well in the future).

The first thing I have to mention about this shoot is the awesome Gemma Edwards being behind the camera again. She’s a photographer that I will work with one of these days, we’ve tried to set up an interview a few times now, she’s such a talent and it’s fantastic to see her work in FRONT again.

Edie’s first photos on 56 are a beautiful introduction, she mentions towards the end of the piece that she can put on a good striptease, and this shoot is the proof. The strip down starts with Edie revealing her underwear; I love the back to camera, looking over the shoulder shot and Edie and Gemma pull it off fantastically on 56. Page 57 begins with a wonderful image at the very top of the page. Edie in mid strip arches her back expertly in a shot on a bed. Her eyes closed and mouth open is sublime, an incredible expression when used well and it certainly is here. At the bottom of 57 the striptease continues and I love the touch of leaving the socks on. It made me smile and adds an innocence to the images. The final picture features a gloriously arched back again, and Edie’s winning smile. Also featured is Edie’s nose ring, something I always love to see shown off.

Page 58 continues the tease with Edie ending topless at the bottom of a trio of pictures. It’s a lesson in coyness as the photos progress, each one ratcheting up the anticipation. It’s excellent to see Edie using expression and her body to tell a story, those are the shoots that work the best for me. The final image at the bottom of 58 is great, Edie looking right into camera with a sultry gaze that is just incredible. The final full page shot on 59 is straight out of a calendar. A topless Edie stands showing off her incredible body, perfect skin and knowledge of how to work a shot. It’s my favourite shot and ends the shoot on a highlight. The set as a whole works very well indeed, credit to model and photographer for their work. I love that we get a glimpse of Edie’s personality with the posters and art behind her. I’m not sure if it’s her bedroom that’s being used, but I know the images glimpsed in the background are examples of some of the things Edie enjoys. I’ve learnt this through working with her in the past. In those conversations I discovered that Edie wasn’t 100% happy with the final interview that was produced. I think it’s worth mentioning that, as there were questions raised over how accurately Edie was portrayed through the accompanying text.

The DIY section this month was as interesting as ever. I loved how the section begins with Seany. She’s a wonderfully tattooed lady, but the images weren’t awesome. However, the first picture seen on the left at the top of a stack of three is genius. Lovely eyes, a very interesting woman. On to page 61 at the top there is a girl who I think could be a shoe in for a return to FRONT as an Alt Girl proper. Astoria Snow is a lady from Cardiff whose pictures are delightful. She’s got a solid look that I think FRONT will appreciate, and a gorgeous figure. The only thing that may count against her coming back is the fact that there is a topless shot in the mix. I only say this because I’m of the opinion that DIY shots have to leave the audience wanting more. However during the editing of this review I see Astoria has a gallery up on the FRONT website, so good luck to her and hope she makes it to the mag again. On page 63 there are two girls that I think could also be in with a shot of a call back from FRONT for an Alt Girl shoot. I liked what Charlotte and Cara sent in, the shots weren’t too in-depth but it made me want to see more from them.

Finally we get the main feature shoot. I’ve said before that I wasn’t blown away by this concept from the cover as it’s been done already this year. But I’m always interested in a Jay Mawson shoot, and the ladies featuring are stunning models. The first picture on page 87 is one of the best. It’s a nice idea seeing the three participants lined up in the light of a factory window, India is first of course, but Emily stands out a mile with her tats and those socks; it was nice to see she was involved. The set up of the shoot is each girl plays a different superhero. India is up first on pages 88 and 89 with her rendition of Superman; all the superheroes depicted in this shoot are done so subtly. There are no emblems or insignias on display; it’s all played out through colours and actions. Here we have India ripping asunder her white shirt to reveal a red bikini, a la Clark Kent from Superman. It’s a pretty cool image, and India handles it well as always.

On 90 Lucy gets involved with her version of the Incredible Hulk tearing her top to shreds. I like the hint of the green from her shorts, but most of all I love Lucy’s expression at the start of the picture series. A gritting of teeth before she starts ripping is wonderful. On 91 we see Emily on her own for the first time in this issue. She’s in the bath with no other clues as to whom she’s depicting. But it becomes obvious when you think about it, and her Aquaman is most enjoyable. It is ace to see Emily back, and this shot brought a smile to my face throughout.

Emily is seen again with India on 92 and 93 in a series of shots that are simply beautiful. The play of light and dark works well, and the visual difference between the two models is a great juxtaposition. The superhero theme goes out the window here and that’s not a bad thing. It goes to show that you don’t need to overcomplicate things by going too high-concept. Beautiful and interesting models produce beautiful and interesting photos, end of story. Moving on to the image that greets us on page 96. It’s a casting I actually mentioned a few reviews back when Lucy featured previously in FRONT. It’s perfect seeing Lucy as Poison Ivy, so much so that I’d like to have seen it expanded to more than a single image. 98 and 99 sees Emily take her bow and the shoot end. It was a great touch to give the last two pages to Emily, and her portrayal of Catwoman and Rogue were wonderful. We see what Emily can produce here when not shackled by theme. Epic, vampish and elegant, with tattoos thrown in, it’s a great return to FRONT for an underused talent.

All in all it was a mixed bag this month from FRONT, and I seem to be saying that every month lately. It’s all well and good signing up India and Rosie for shoots, but they work for everyone else also, and the likes of Seren and Mel seem to favour involvement with FHM these days. I said it at the start of this piece, I think it’s time FRONT finds the new Seren, Mel, Rosie, etc. They have discovered/elevated some fantastic talents through the years, but now they seem to play second fiddle to other publications. I’d also suggest expanding the Alt Girl section and cutting down on the main feature length, that way we don’t get shoots petering out. New talent is the key to success, we need to see another Jessica Weekley, an unknown girl with the ability to carry shoots and spark new interest. But that’s all easier said than done, and I’m sure it’s FRONT’s aim.

The images used in this piece were taken from google and show both covers of issue 171 without straplines and headings. When searching for examples of both covers, I noticed that it has been advertised and promoted very little. Unless I missed it (and I don’t think I did) there are no versions of them on FRONT’s tumblr or website. Strange.

carrielisbeth:

Front Alt-Girl Keshia!
As soon as I saw her in the magazine I knew I wanted to draw her.
Keshia’s tumblr: http://kawaiikeshia.tumblr.com/ 

Pencil and watercolour pencil on A3
6-7 hours. 

http://www.facebook.com/CarrieLisbethArtwork

Here is Carrie’s facebook art page again in case you missed it above:

http://www.facebook.com/CarrieLisbethArtwork

I’ll be promoting and plugging Carrie’s work for a long time to come i’m sure. She is a really talented artist, and i’m extremely proud to reblog this picture she drew of FRONT Alt Girl Keshia. I’m sure you’ll all agree she’s got skills, and i’d love it if you guys headed over to her facebook page and gave it a “like” (it only takes a few seconds and while you’re there you can check out some kick-ass imagery). I’m always happy to promote such amazing talent, and i’m hoping to work with this lady sometime in the near future.

I’d really appreciate it if people could show some support to Carrie as she starts out on this artistic project via facebook. Thanks for reading as always. Rich