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This month sees the return of Sabine to the cover of FRONT. She’s somewhat of a marmite model within the magazine’s readership, it seems fans either love her or hate her. Hate may be a strong word, but a lot of folks seem to disagree with Sabine’s suitability when considered alongside other regulars/Alt Girls. I had my own issues with her debut appearance in the mag way back when. FRONT has stuck with Sabine, giving her lots of exposure in the wake of models like Rosie Jones and Mel Clarke leaving for regular FHM work. I eventually got over my issues with Sabine as a FRONT model, and since her debut she’s put in some stunning performances on a par with India Reynolds and the like. Having said all that, I’m never jazzed about seeing Sabine on the cover of FRONT. She’s a gorgeous model of course, but in my humble opinion, there’s a lack of dynamism in a lot of her shoots. After all, it’s not all about pretty pictures.

Her cover shot is a solid image; this time of year FRONT always excels at pairing beautiful women with woolly clothing. I’ve seen Seren Gibson in countless woollen hats and jumpers over the years. This cover isn’t reinventing the wheel by any stretch; it’s a stunning model in woolly clothing. I personally could have done without the computer generated strand of wool spelling out “Sabine.” Stuff like that has to be seamless, and for me it was just something SLIGHTLY shoddy to fixate on.

My first stop upon venturing inward is on page 16, with this month’s “Full Frontal.” It features a “new girl” named Jess. The six page feature with Jess has a baking theme, and I immediately broke out the big book of baking puns in order to review her work. Phrases like “half baked” and “cookie cutter” hint at my indifference to the set. However, amongst the very samey, nondescript FRONT-esque images, pages 18 and 19 highlight some great work. The motives behind FRONT’s natural boob policy are displayed for all to see on page 18. Jess has incredible breasts, and they are highlighted by her incorporation of cake batter in this shot. The hat she’s wearing doesn’t really do anything for me, I have no idea why it’s there, and she looks like a cat burglar. However, her hair cascading down over one eye, coupled with the expressive, adequately depicts the mischievous mood Jess is in.

On page 19 we’re treated to a shot of Jess’ bottom. Everything about the image works wonderfully. The high socks are classic FRONT, and of course the heart shaped posterior on display is perfection! Jess on her tippy toes is a great touch, there’s an innocence and vulnerability to someone on tip toes operating equipment (in this case the oven). A dusting of flour about Jess’ body maintains the theme, but also highlights her sublime figure. The hat again is needless, and detracts ever so slightly.

On pages 18 and 19 Jess gives us some terrific pictures, either side however it’s typical FRONT stuff. I’ve described the shoot as “cookie cutter,” by that I meant some of the images seemed to just be going through the motions. You could replace Jess with other FRONT contributors and not miss a step. Not a good thing…

Giving an overview in the middle of a review might be unconventional, but this month’s Alt Girl shoot is by far the saving grace of this issue. On page 58 Lass makes her triumphant return to FRONT magazine. I had the pleasure of interviewing Lass at the very outset of this blog, way back before her Suicide Girls involvement skyrocketed her into the limelight. Since her Suicide Girls success Lass has been very active within the SG community. Her tales of adventure with that wonderful sisterhood are compelling, and her candid pictures from trips make her blog a must visit and follow. It’s fantastic to see Lass back in the magazine, but its way overdue in my opinion. As mentioned in this and previous reviews, the void left by girls like Mel and Rosie needed to be filled with new talent. I think girls like Lass should have been given that opportunity. She has a look that is unmistakable, and creates pictures that always demand attention and admiration.

Juxtaposing this month’s Alt Girl feature against the other featured models in the issue is eye opening. The sublime set, shot beautifully by Gemma Edwards, screams unique personality laden work, as appose to the interchangeable model shoots seen elsewhere. Lass’ return to FRONT begins on page 58 and 59, the customary Alt Girl strip down consist simply of a swimsuit and plumb hot pants. But it’s all about Lass’ skills in front of camera, not the clothing she removes. The first shots at the top of 58 showcase Lass’ incredible body, as well as her perfect alabaster skin. It’s something of a trademark of Lass’, her pale complexion makes her body art leap out from the page, and highlight the marvellous tattoo choices she’s made. On 59 another Lass trademark stands out, that being her gorgeously big eyes. Easily lost in and totally enchanting. It’s hard to take in the rest of the picture when you look into her eyes, but when you do focus out, you see a wonderful visage. Almost a classic pin up pose, as she kicks her legs over the arm of a chair and ruffles her fiery red hair. All pictures of Lass are a bit of a voyage of discovery, a story that plays out as you take in her petit figure and the myriad of tattoos.

On pages 60 and 61 the expanse of pale skin furthers the impact of Lass’ artwork; her tattoos are so crisp against the backdrop of skin that almost glows it’s so light. At the top of page 60 Lass lets out a giggle as she removes the swim suit down at her feet. It’s a nice contrast to the sultry looks we see in the other shots. I always envisage a Gemma Edwards shoot to be a fun experience, and the number of models that seem to be having great fun in the imagery only strengthens that. At the bottom of page 60 we have two of my very favourite images. To the left, Lass places a hand in her hair, while grasping her foot with the other. Her eyes say everything about the lady, smouldering into the camera, with arm placement that hints at shyness. To the right is a delightful image, we see a naked Lass, looking over her shoulder to camera, eyes are drawn to her perfect pert bottom, and dazzlingly detailed back piece. Every picture in this set would grace any calendar, a fact that I hope is not lost on the powers that be over at FRONT.

Lass’ final image on 61 is a great sign-off to a wonderfully exciting shoot. Her elongated upper torso is sheer elegance, with hands in her hair and a coy look to the ground screaming angelic beauty. I also love her sitting on her heels in a well known position. However, even the recognisable poses are given new life with the additions of Lass’ tattoos. Her sewing machine piece is something I remember from our previous interview, and while there are many other new additions to her collection, this piece is given centre stage in the final shot, and it’s sings out.

You may have gathered that I liked this shoot. I unapologetically rave about this set with good reason. I don’t see why FRONT doesn’t take more of a chance and utilise girls like Lass in featured shoots. They seem to want to placate an alt audience as well as a glamour one. I can think of a number of issues this year where having someone like Lass as the main featured model would have vastly improved the reception they got. Not for the first time, the Alt Girl shoot in this month’s FRONT stood out as the saving grace. Surely I can only say that so many times before action is taken? Or maybe it takes more people to speak up…

The Alt Girl D.I.Y set is a wonderfully mixed bag this month. There have been previous D.I.Y additions that have been disappointing and seemingly rushed. This month there are some positive inclusions I’m happy to say. On page 62, Anastasiya Ty has the petit and pert figure FRONT seeks, and I’d love to see her working with someone like Gemma Edwards. A beautiful girl, whose picture at the top of 62 outshines some of the professional shots in the mag in terms of interest and desire to see more work. Other notable pictures form the section include Daziee Johnson’s contribution; some ace shots that not only highlight a beautiful lady, but also a sense of style and a sense of personality. I love the shot of her laughing at the top of 63. Finally, I have to mention Zoe Sutherland. How this lady is not used in the mag proper is beyond me. The incredible work she’s done in her short career already renders her appearance in the D.I.Y section a little embarrassing for FRONT I think. Utilise this lady better guys. You will not be sorry you did.

Just briefly, a double page ad on pages 72 and 73 reminded me of a model that stole the show in a previous issue of FRONT. She was in a single page ad a few issues back, and I couldn’t stop flicking back to the page. It was the same image as in this double page ad, and I’m still as enthralled. A follower of mine gave me her blog information a while back, and I shamefully haven’t acted upon that. I will now for sure, and fingers crossed you may see her feature here soon…

All that’s left now (and as I type this I am aware it sounds defeatist already) is to give my thoughts on the main shoot featuring Sabine. I know based on the rest of this review that negativity must be expected. However, I’m not going to trash the set just for the sake of it, but sadly, the highlight of the issue has already been covered in Lass’ Alt Girl feature.

Sabine is a gloriously beautiful woman, and that is highlighted in her first shot on page 81. I n many ways this is the pick of the bunch, I love her in the hood, and her features are so fresh and elegant. The colouring of the graphics on the page is spot on, and there’s a light hazy feeling to everyone except the sharp focus of her stunning face. Then on page 82 we change to a picture I feel 99% sure I’ve seen before. I can’t recall the exact issue, but Sabine with a high ponytail, lifting one arm in the air, even wearing a similar skirt is so reminiscent. Almost like a ballet shot, and I know Sabine has dance roots that have been exhibited in previous shoots. It’s not a good thing that it’s so much like a previous shot that I can recall well. Page 83 brought a bit of a double take from me, I thought it was India Reynolds at first glance. Again, the lack of identity in the shoots of this issue is a problem. That’s why Lass’ work shone out so much. She owned her work and it showed.

The rest of Sabine’s shoot fades from memory quickly, tired shots of an undoubted beauty wearing woolly leggings and hats. We’ve seen it all before with Seren, Rosie, Mel etc. It comes across as very lazy I must say. I’ve bought and read FRONT for many, many years, I know what they do at certain times of year, and I’ve come to know when ideas and themes are being recycled. Is repeating a shoot concept just because new products are available enough justification? I don’t happen to think so. But I’ve said all this before. There is one shot that stood out, it’s an odd little picture that looks like a Polaroid stuck in amongst the other shots. It’s a glimmer of something different, and it’s interesting. But in the end there’s a wash of familiar pictures, from familiar angles, using very familiar ideas. It’s another wasted feature shoot. It may seem as though I’m totally against Sabine in FRONT, but as I’ve said previously, I’m really not. I would take issue with any model taking part in such an obviously rehashed shoot. I sympathise with Sabine, she’s not had the best reception from FRONT readers, and with shoots like this it’s unlikely to change.

I’ve said it many times, but Lass saved this issue for me. She’s an example of what FRONT does very right, in terms of model selection and content. Unfortunately, the rest of the model shoots are examples of what FRONT gets wrong from time to time. These are only my opinions, and I’m by no means an authority on the industry. As a loyal FRONT customer though, I think I have a right to voice my concerns. I hope these comments come across as constructive to all who read them, and I welcome debate from anyone who has similar or apposing views.

I’m very excited about this month’s Alt Girl. The feature begins on page 54, and it’s with the divinely unique and vamptastic Abbie Mac. Followers and regular readers of these FRONT reviews might remember I mentioned Abbie in my review of issue 165, in which I said something like “watch out for this girl” or “Abbie Mac is one to watch”. Something like that, I can’t remember exactly. Anyway, I was so chuffed when I saw Abbie in all her glory as this month’s Alt Girl. I loved Abbie’s look in her three photos in the DIY section of issue 165, and pointed out her hairstyle in particular. There was something different about her, and I’m pleased FRONT has noticed this also. So then, on to Abbie’s Alt Girl feature…

Abbie Mac’s set starts slowly, and builds anticipation. On page 54 denim shorts and a checked shirt look a little out of place if I’m honest. I’d love to have seen Abbie in something a little different, maybe along the same lines as her DIY set. But that’s nit picking by me, I just loved her in those suspenders, and really thought it added to her sexy retro vibe. On page 55 Abbie’s strip down gathers momentum, a lovely shot of her at the top of 55 is very relaxed and natural, the checked shirt has gone which is good in my opinion, and the way she’s holding her legs cleverly conveys innocence. That innocence is juxtaposed with a very brave shot at the bottom of 55, when Abbie goes topless and pulls down her tights oh so low! The shirt is back, but it looks good opened against her pale skin. There’s a lot going on in this photo, but I focussed on her face at first, and her smoky eyes looking out from the page are so engaging.

Page 56 gets a lot more playful, and Abbie shows off a bit more personality. While playing with the shirt in the first photo, I love how her hair lays over her breasts. I’m not sure if this was an accident, but it really is a nice touch, and helps with the tease. A very cheeky shot (pun intended) follow that on 56, and Abbie’s arched back, lovely skin and little look over the shoulder work together amazingly. The final shot of 56 is a bit out of character for the set I found. The wink to camera seems a little forced, but I love the positioning, and the cheeky look while taking off undies is a classic for a reason. But I felt Abbie could have chosen a different expression here. Her final shot on page 57 is my favourite, and a contender for next years Alt Girls calendar surly. Again, the thumb pulling down the panties is well used, but I love the dainty positioning of her feet, I love foot tattoos also. Abbie’s face here is also engaging even though she’s not looking at the camera. There’s composure to the stance that just thrills, and the expanse of nakedness shows off Abbie’s wonderful figure, as well as her terrific skin.

I know I always talk about the shots in these reviews, but I wanted to give special mention to Abbie’s interview as well. I loved her answers, and they were very different from the norm. Battlestar Galactica, tortoise, Xbox, she even likes Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a terrific movie. Abbie, I salute you!

The DIY section this month was a bone of contention for me. There were some stand out contributors, mainly Ane, Hannah Laura, Donny and Faye Edwards, but I also thought some girls that were chosen didn’t really belong. I won’t name them because I dislike slating people, but I think a little more consideration was needed in a few choices. As Abbie Mac popped up as Alt Girl this month, I thought I’d name another “one to watch” from the DIY ladies and see if they return. Not that I’m an expert, or have any pull what so ever. Just for fun, I reckon Hannah Laura and Faye Edwards have a good shout at reappearing in the mag (they also both have names I can see printed in FRONT as models for some weird reason). But I’d also like to see Donny, her eyes are wonderful. So my “one to watch” is actually three.

Pages 86 and 87 begin this month’s main feature, and it’s where I first realised that there were two other models involved. That’s a bit bad from FRONT, especially as both Alice and Courtnie aren’t regulars in the magazine, they should have been promoted more I think. The first double page photo is a breath of fresh air for FRONT features. Jay Mawson the photographer is highly regarded by models that have worked with him, and from this shot and others I’ve seen, it’s with good reason. I haven’t seen a shot like this in FRONT before, and that’s not something I can always say. I love the symmetry of Sabine and Alice either side of Courtnie, Sabine’s expression is sizzling, and the way Alice has her legs crossed is cute and a nice little quirk. This shot is all about Courtnie though, and her doe eyed look up at camera is incredible. Sometimes a hat just doesn’t belong in a shot in my opinion, but the massive bobble hat Courtnie has on works with her pose and the camera positioning wonderfully. She’s tiny to begin with, but the hat dwarfs her still further, and it makes for a very sweet image.

Courtnie is the focus again on page 88, and in yet another exquisite photograph. I know the trainers are important to the feature, but I couldn’t care less when they share the frame with such a beautiful lady. Her expression is sexy with a hint of derision, but that works. Her pout is glorious, with a little curl to her top lip. The hand to her left temple is a little touch, but an important one, it’s alluring and very much so! Then you’ve got the trainers, but Courtnie’s bosom and incredible midriff make sure you pay no attention to them. I’m not sure if it’s by design, but the lace of the trainer skimming the nipple is just tantalising.

Page 89 sees Sabine’s first solo shot in the shoot. She’s bent over a radiator with a pair of leggings pulled down to reveal her pert bum, it’s one of Sabine’s strongest shots of the set, and I say that hesitantly. I say hesitantly because I always worry when a model produces the middle finger, and “flips off” the audience. Some girls tend to use the middle finger in the absence of actual attitude, but that’s not the case with Sabine. I love the pose, though she does a lot of facing away from camera posing in this feature. The trainers aren’t as on display as the previous page, but I couldn’t get past Sabine’s face. Again, slightly scornful, but full of attitude, and very sexy.

I wasn’t a fan of Sabine’s double page shot on 90 and 91. You see a lot of the floor radiator and sofa, and with the page crease, Sabine kind of disappears, which was a shame for me. Page 92 was rightfully chosen by FRONT to promote the issue online and with posters and special covers. It’s Sabine’s best photo of the set, and yet another interesting and fresh idea from photographer, model, stylist, or whomever may have suggested it. Vibrant laces in the foreground and Sabine topless eating them like pasta behind is a very fun image, and she works it well.

Alice makes her first and only solo appearance on page 93. It’s a shame because I feel Alice gets a little bit lost in this feature. With Sabine’s headlining, and Courtnie dominating with excellent photos, Alice doesn’t get anywhere near equal billing. Her shot on 93 is a good one though. Alice has a wonderful figure, and I love the arm behind her head, but her expression seems a little spacey to me. I would have loved to see Alice do something expressive with her only solo picture, and I really hope we see her back again in the magazine in the future to see what she can do on her own.

94 and 95 provides another platform for Courtnie to take over this set. She’s been given a lot of exposure in this feature, and I’m very pleased with that decision. In this double page spread Courtnie lies on a bed, Adidas jacket on top, nothing on the bottom, and said bottom is thrust into the air. It’s a perfect posterior I have to say, and I also love what she’s doing with her right foot, just having the trainer hanging off her toes. A good idea well captured. Her expression is once again spot on, the wistful look off camera makes you want to know what’s on her mind, and the sunlight playing on her face adds to an emotional visage. A touch of modelling knowhow comes into play with the placement of a thumb on the bottom lip. Playful and complementary to her full lips.

Again Courtnie takes centre stage on page 96. I think its Alice she’s in front of, but it’s not obvious. This picture is all about Courtnie’s incredible body, like a sexy “s” crouching in front of Alice, with her hands clawing at her model partner’s buttocks. Again, a growl appears on Courtnie’s face, but it doesn’t detract from the image, rather it adds a dimension of aggression. Who cares about the trainers at this point right? This is a wonderful shot once again! Page 97 is Courtnie again, but I think this is a wasted page. When you have Alice hardly doing anything in this shoot, I thought this page could have been used better. We get the benefit of Courtnie’s amazing body again, but her face is cut off and only an Adidas track top is focussed on. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was just added in for advertising and funding purposes, but I again feel sorry for the models that could have used this page time better.

The final double page spread sees all three models reunited in one last collective image. They’re lined up on a bed, arms above their heads knees bend. This is a lacklustre ending but a lovely image. Again Alice is somewhat overlooked being positioned in the middle, but all three models look stunning, and the use of red lipstick works well against pale skin and white bedding.

All in all this main feature was a little disjointed. I don’t understand why it wasn’t billed as a three way shoot, and only Sabine was on the cover, and I also don’t understand why Alice was used so little. On the plus side, Courtnie stole the show, and produced some incredible imagery. For me she has to be guaranteed a return to the magazine, and hopefully Alice will get a better opportunity to show what she can do. Perhaps at the beginning of the “Full Frontal” section?

My final mention comes from page 127, and the “Readers’ Ink” section. I have to point out the work of Sophie Butcher right in the middle of the page, the Star Wars decorative skulls. Sophie has featured in FRONT before, and is currently strutting her stuff on the website with a new DIY photo set. She’s also a wonderfully talented tattoo artist, and one kick ass lady. She deserves attention, and I think she should be in the mag again sharpish!

Issue 167 had a lot of highs for me, and you can tell by the length of this review that I had a lot to talk about from its pages. I’m enjoying the influx of new models and talents, but I am wondering when or if the likes of Rosie Jones, Seren and Vikki might return? I think it’s been long enough for each, particularly Rosie and Seren to make a return, but are they still interested? Can FRONT afford them now they’ve been in FHM? I do hope so. If they are out of reach, it’s good to know FRONT still has the magic touch when it comes to finding new talent. I can’t wait to see what next month has in store!

Image taken from the FRONT tumblr, seriously, so check it out.

This month’s FRONT was an interesting one. It’s kind of gone under the radar in my opinion, with not a lot of “bigging up” or even discussion. With this piece I hope to highlight some of the good things about this month’s issue, as well as maybe mentioning possible reasons why it’s not been lavished with praise. Let’s get straight into it…

As we always do, let’s begin with the front cover. Sabine adorns the cover of this Easter issue, and I think this may possibly be the first reason why the issue hasn’t taken off. There are some people who just don’t seem to like Sabine for whatever reason. When she made her debut it was greeted with a range of emotions, largely ranging from indifference to dislike. I must admit, I wrote that her first appearance in the mag was not spectacular. However I changed my tune when she reappeared in issue 164 with an amazing showing in what has been one of the best issues of FRONT in years! But people did have a problem with her originally, and it has stuck for some. I personally am on board with Sabine in FRONT, and was looking forward to seeing what she had for us this time. Having said that though, I was only sure it was Sabine when I read the accompanying circle of text just below her right knee. I didn’t recognise her from just looking, and it’s become a feature of her work with FRONT. Looking back from issue 161 to issue 164 and now issue 167, every time Sabine has appeared, she looks different. It definitely denotes a versatility and reinvention, but you also want to be memorable don’t you? As for Sabine’s cover shot, it’s 100% FRONT, and reminiscent of the work Rosie Jones did in her early years with the magazine. Girls in trainers was what brought FRONT to the dance, so to speak, and it’s perpetuated here. The shot itself is gorgeous of course, but that’s down to Sabine’s physique and beauty solely. There’s nothing really earth-shatteringly original about it, and there’s quite a disservice done to the other girls that appear in the main feature. Alice and Courtnie aren’t even mentioned on the cover, let alone seen. Unless I just picked up the Sabine version of a three cover special (which I didn’t), I think Alice and Courtnie should have had a presence on the cover, especially seeing as there seems to be more shots of Courtnie than Sabine in the main feature!   

Moving inside and straight to the “Readers’ Shit” page, just a quick mention for the picture of Alysha Nett in the bottom left hand corner; Anthony’s drawing isn’t perfect, but it’s good, and it reminded me of Alysha being in the mag, which was also good.

On page 16 we are greeted with one of the massive positives about issue 167, that being the return of Cala at the beginning of the “Full Frontal” section. I had just interviewed her last time she appeared in the mag, and that just added to the praise I heaped upon her then. This time her feature starts with a four window page, in which she sports some unfeasibly sexy thigh-high socks/tights. I love the photo in the bottom left of the four panel page, the coy hand in front of her face, and gorgeous underwear with that pink shirt just works! Page 17 shows off Cala’s amazing bottom, clad again in some incredible black lacy undies. The arch of her back helps to emphasise her beautiful tattoo, and the light coming through the window onto her face leaves an angelic haze that is pure pretty.

The images are sharper on pages 18 and 19 as Cala moves away from the light source. Still resplendent in those socks, these pages are all about Cala’s face and of course her wonderful bosom. Her hands on head pose at the top of 18 is playful yet sultry, and her gaze into the distance at the bottom of 18 is equally emotive. These two photographs show off Cala’s excellent use of her features when posing, and while she is topless, you consider each picture as a whole, it’s not just boobs!

The next three pages are straight out of a calendar, or definitely should be. FRONT has spoilt us with three full page photos, the first of which on page 19. Here Cala’s bright eyes and full pouting lips draw you in, and you follow her tussled hair down her shoulder to take in yet another example of this wonderful model’s body. Page 20 and 21 are my favourites from the set I think, although there is a lot of competition. The fairy lights and butterflies in the background of 20 echo the free spirited stance and pose of Cala, there’s a lightness and elegance here, with her arms stretched up almost in a balletic manoeuvre. I also love the touch of the belly button jewellery, it’s very Cala, fun and feminine. Page 21 finished the set perfectly. I’d love this image blown up as a poster, it’s such a sweet image, full of contemplation and intrigue. There’s nothing detracting from the grace being show, Cala’s nose ring hints at a stylish flair, and it’s just a terrific picture.

Moving on to page 28, and I must flag up Stef Nurding’s interview. I didn’t know who Stef was if I’m honest, but this little interview definitely grabbed my attention, and I’d love to interview her in more detail sometime. Fingers crossed. She is of course a gorgeous lady, but very interesting also, and I’d love to know more about her passion for boarding, both skate and snow.

My next stop is page 30, and unusually for me, I want to dwell on the “illustrator profile”. It’s a section of the mag I have not been moved by in previous issues. It’s an issue of personal taste, but I haven’t liked the style of a lot of the guys that have featured. This month is the turn of Kate Prior though, and I really enjoyed her interview. Her work reminded me of some classic cartoons and illustrated adverts from the 50s, but with a very modern twist on the comical elements. There is also a unique spark in her use of colour to achieve vibrancy and a more demure understatement. I’m no art expert, but I really love the examples of her work, and it’s moved me to check out her website. The most impressive things is her interview though, and the humour that jumps off the page. Kate seems like a very cool lady indeed, and yet another discovery from this issue that I would love to talk with someday.

To be continued…

Image taken from FRONT’s tumblr, you should go check it out.