Always wanted to write for a magazine...

It’s been a bit of a hiatus for me in terms of reviewing FRONT. I haven’t posted my thoughts on an issue since before Christmas. Some of that has been out of my hands, working abroad over Christmas meant I missed the first issue of 2013, but some of the reason has been down to being slightly jaded. A small portion of me looked at the start that FRONT has made to 2013 and thought “twelve months of the same thing?” Even with issue 178 in my possession (just the Rosie Jones cover) I couldn’t bring myself to really get into the magazine. This immediately gave me pause for thought. With Rosie being one of my favourite FRONT females, if I couldn’t get excited about an issue with her on the cover, when would I ever get excited? Despite another cracking Rose duet (this time with Holly), and an amazing “Kill List” offering from the destined for further greatness Rebecca Crow, issue 178 passed me by…

However, with renewed vigour, I am attacking issue 179 with trademark Alt Girl botherer spirit, and trying to revive my appreciation for FRONT magazine in 2013. It started off superbly. Not only is Arabella on the cover this month, but way up to the right, written tiny in the corner, there’s the promise of “new girls”. The end of 2012 brought with it a stellar issue of FRONT which I refer to as the Alt Girl party issue. One of the best editions of FRONT to date, and wholly focussed on new talent, with past Alt Girls (Keshia, Chelsea, Abbie Mac, etc) stealing the limelight from whomever that month’s featured model was. I took this to mean that 2013 would see a shift in power and girls like Abbie and Chelsea would have grander opportunities past page 60 (Alt Girl territory). This would leave the Alt Girl section free for fresh talent to progress the publication, and make new stars for tomorrow. While Arabella’s appearance as cover girl nixed the idea that a new face would be trusted, I was uplifted by the promise of “new girls” within.

As this is the first issue I’ve reviewed in 2013, I wanted to mention how pleased I am with the “Readers’ Shit” section. It’s great to see that FRONT has changed the mood of the arty bit of the mag, and are now featuring quality work, and leaving out all the insults. I know the insults were ingrained in FRONT’s ethos, but sometimes they were pretty harsh on some bloody talented folks. I’m glad it’s more of a celebration section now. My clear favourite is the picture of the mighty Yazz by Melissa. Awesome.

The first model feature is with Summer, a new contributor to FRONT and undoubtedly an incredible beauty. Perfect skin and an expert practitioner of the back arch, but Summer didn’t really set my world on fire. The “Full Frontal” section, as it was, usually showcased the edgier more adventurous shoots in the mag that month. Now redubbed the “Kill List” I don’t see the same ideals being upheld. Again, I must stress that Summer is a mindblowingly gorgeous lady, and her double page spread that ends the feature on pages 20 and 21 is a highlight. However, I don’t really see what made her FRONT material. It’s not enough to just always have petit white females guys. Surely there has to be some edge, or something ALTERNATIVE to the girls featured. Or is that just me?

Moving on, I love the collaboration of FRONT and Sin Star (seen on page 22/23). Some fantastic tees have been produced, and I for one will be purchasing my Seren shirt post haste… They’re unisex right?

Hannah Martin continues her appearances in the “Tested” section of the mag on page 42. Hannah has been a sort of Marmite model for FRONT over the years, with people either loving or not being fussed on her work. It’s great to see her back, the last I heard she was doing well on the phone-in girl channels, but her cameo in this and the last issue were nice reminders of FRONT’s past. I don’t know if this is a hint at a return to feature model status for Hannah, but if it is, there had better be a kick-ass premise lined up; because we’ve seen lost of Hannah’s work and it doesn’t vary majorly.

Stuff I want from the “Stuff” section: That army man bottle opener and those bullet ear buds.

Gemma Edwards made her return to the Alt Girl section photography duties this month, and while Ed Godden did a good job last month, it was a pleasure to see Gemma back. I was also excited by new girl Seany, who I thought did marvellously in her debut appearance. I got a preview of the shots on facebook before I bought my copy, and was actually inspired to part with my money based on the sneak peek at these images alone. Seany is a very welcome addition to the FRONT family, and I really hope she reappears.

In customary Alt Girl fashion, we are treated to a striptease guide around (I guess) Seany’s bedroom. I love how the shots are lit, and we’re treated to every facet of the model’s wonderful display. From the selection of imagery on pages 54 and 55, I think the display of flexibility at the top right corner of 55 is my favourite. But look quickly at these pictures and you’ll miss some very interesting details. The intricacy of Seany’s tattoos for one, and her ever so subtle nose ring for another. The photographer’s attention to detail, framing, and of course Seany’s wonderful performance are a joy. Well worth ruminating on for a while.

Pages 56 and 57 continue the strip down. The transition of disrobing tells its own story, but so too does Seany’s performance. She visibly gets more and more comfortable as the shoot goes on, and fantastic images are the result. I really enjoyed her incredible smile and body shape in the last shot of 57, but even more tantalising is the shot that precedes it on the same page. As Seany removes her last item of clothing, the indentation of her underwear accentuates her curvaceous posterior, and really adds some intrigue to what might have been an overlooked shot.

Overall there is some terrific work from both model and photographer in this series. I know I frequently wax lyrical about Gemma’s work for FRONT, but it’s with obvious reason. Such masterful staging and positioning is a talent that always elevates implied nude shoots. It’s the very reason that I find implied work that much more fascinating than topless. Great work that once again threatens the main model shoot for superiority.

The Alt Girl D.I.Y section is a big let down for me personally. Again, I’m not besmirching the girls featured at all, they are all stunning and I wish them every success. But there are at least four interchangeable models in there, taking up spaces that could surely be used by more interesting girls? I alluded to it earlier, petit, blonde, a hint of a tattoo… This shouldn’t automatically grant you a place in FRONT. There must be more suitable/interesting/different entries sent in? Or am I just out of touch with the rest of the readership?

Leaping from model set to model set, we come to Arabella’s contribution to the issue. Who doesn’t love Arabella? Out of all the FRONT females that have graced the mag’s pages, I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad word about her work. Rightfully so I might add. Not only an incredibly attractive lady, but with a real edge and vibrancy to her. Not to mention a killer sense of humour, as witnessed in her weekly column. If there is a downside for me with this set though, it’s that I really don’t get the whole fascination with trainers. I know I’m in the minority here, and FRONT has been putting sexy women in fancy “sneakers” for years, but does it still make for a good shoot after so many versions of the same theme?

It’s a personal quibble I admit. Not being mad on trainers shouldn’t preclude me from enjoying the set, but it does a bit. Particularly when it’s Arabella in the trainers, as I’m sure she’s done something extremely similar for FRONT in the past. Am I wrong? It may not have been such a blatant sneaker showcase previously, but I really get the impression her feet and what’s on them have been the focus more than once before. But anyway…

A sultry look to camera works wonders in her first shot on page 81. I love how her lashes are accentuated, and her hair falls haphazardly across her breasts. With an arm extended we get a glimpse of her now trademark ink, but this image is all about her eyes. They drew me in, and I turned the page expectedly…

On page 83 there is a great shot with Arabella’s tilted head looking off camera and she’s bathed in hazy sunlight. I’m not sure if I’m such a fan of this shot because there’s no trainers in it (petty I know), or if it’s the slight scowl on the model’s face. I am a sucker for a scowl. On pages 84 and 85 we get a microcosm of what this shoot is all about. Firstly, blasphemously, trainers cover fifty percent of Arabella’s face. An obstruction I could do without. Along with the shoes, the second feature of the set is obvious. That being Arabella’s backside. It’s one of the best backsides in the business, and deservedly showcased, but this double page spread takes too much away from Arabella for me. It’s like a shoe advert with added ass (a theme that runs from here on in).

There’s something special about Arabella decked out in running-ish gear on 86. I’m not 100% sure what it is, but maybe the completely alien costume is part of it. We don’t regularly see Arabella being sporty, and maybe it’s a consideration for future shoots? The classic “trainers tied across the shoulders and draped over boobs shot” is seen on 87. The number of girls who took the same picture of themselves in the instagram feature on pages 26 and 27 might hint at how played out it is. But I am a fan of the lip bite that Arabella adds.

The set ends on pages 92 and 93 with a double spread. I was actually impressed with this shot as it’s something a little inventive. The semicircle of trainers with Arabella’s feet in different ones… It’s different, and kudos go to whoever though it up. The playful biting of the lace adds a nice touch from Arabella, and of course her perfect skin and figure are a constant source of happy throughout.

Last impressions and little things from the issue: What a waste of ice cream in the shower gel feature on page 116. I really liked Seain Way’s tattoo on page 121. Loved the model in the Pieute Clothing advert on page 132… I think that’s everything.

A mixed bag of an issue as is regularly the case these days. Also regularly the case is the Alt Girl section’s superiority. I would have enjoyed Arabella’s shoot more if the theme or concept was something new. But again, that’s another regular gripe I have with FRONT features (last time, Rosie Jones draped in Americana. It’s been done countless times). For my first 2013 review I feel a little deflated with the issue. But I had a blast writing it, and as always, these are just my opinions. My reviews are designed to improve a magazine I’ve read for years, not just badmouth it. So I hope my thoughts are appreciated and my views are taken as they are meant… which is constructively.

Thanks.    

I buy everything that features Rosie Jones. Whatever magazine she’s shooting for, whatever promotion she’s involved with, everything. I do the same with Seren Gibson and I used to do the same with Jessica Weekley. That’s why I recently bought issue 222 of Loaded magazine, an Olympics special edition of the publication. Loaded isn’t a magazine I regularly buy, but as stated above if Rosie is on the cover I’m inexplicably drawn to it… Actually it’s no so inexplicable; I think she’s immense at what she does. This issue however held a little surprise inside, flicking through whilst standing in line to pay I noticed that Arabella Drummond was also featuring. That discovery led me to think to myself that “the Alt Girls are taking over”. I mentioned in my last review of FRONT magazine that the once proud tradition of that publication being an Alt Girl haven has long gone. Outfits like FHM and Loaded have been employing models like Seren and Rosie ever since they started in the industry. Now though, the more alternative of the glamour species are also getting the call to feature. A sign of the times for sure, also a sign that former FRONT staffers are going on to influential positions at rival magazines (FHM’s editor will always be an example of this). So the heyday of the alternative glamour model is in full swing, and I thought I’d revel in Loaded’s latest offering with a review of the alt-ish shoots.

First to the cover, and an innovative and exciting effort from Loaded and Rosie. I think the fact that this is a souvenir issue to celebrate Britain and the Olympic games, means they’ve forgone the customary advert on the back page. Instead Loaded has gone for a kind of second cover shot, depicting a reverse angle of the front cover image. On the front Rosie is seen covering herself with The Union Jack, it’s a fantastic picture and very apt for the current wave of patriotism that’s going about. The most outstanding element to this cover is Rosie’s face and her use of expression, it’s a theme that Rosie runs with inside. In my humble opinion this is one of her most expressive shoots, showcasing an expertise for varying her facial work in shots. I like the starkness of the cover; it’s Rosie (in nothing but a flag and some great shoes) on a white background with black and gold headings. However, as is regularly the case with Loaded covers they go that bit too far with needless additions. In Rosie’s shoot she works with a bulldog, which is understandable within the context of celebrating Britishness etc. But we don’t need to see said bulldog cocking his leg and urinating behind Rosie on the cover. It was an added touch that didn’t need to be there, and detracted from a sparkling photo of Rosie. It’s almost like they had the perfect image and someone said “you know what would be funny?” A shame, but the picture is strong enough to overcome ultimately.

Flipping the magazine over you will see the second cover. A very nice surprise and a cracking idea that I wish was used more often. I understand companies pay big bucks to advertise on that back cover, but this just looks ace and to someone that collects the magazines they buy it’s nice to see. The image itself sees the reverse angle of Rosie from the front. It’s slightly different, but the idea rocks. Rosie still draping the flag around her slightly exposes the right butt cheek. Her trademark lower back tattoo is visible and she’s shooting the victory V’s with her left hand. With no headings or strap lines it’s very clean indeed, and though we can’t see Rosie’s face she’s looking wonderful. Considering the two covers together, everything works perfectly and again it makes me want to see ideas like this utilised more often.

On to the shoot itself which begins on pages 38 and 39 with a double page picture showing Rosie lying on The Union Jack looking into camera. It’s a glamour modelling classic, cascading hair and pursed lips with wide eyes. Rosie kicks off the shoot by exhibiting her modelling chops, showing us all why she’s such a sought after lady. Her red bra and nail polish plays well against the flag and her perfect bronzed skin. On pages 40 and 41 the use of the flag continues, this time with a topless Rosie wearing an absolutely killer suspenders set. She demonstrates an over the shoulder look to camera that is a favourite of mine on 40 and the image on the opposite page shows yet another side to Rosie’s modelling. Contrasting bright eyes and expression on page 40 with dark eyes and a sultry stare on 41.

Page 43 brings one of my favourite images from this set (and there are a few let me tell you). Rosie sitting legs spread on a stool masked by The Union Jack. It’s an alluring picture of course, with Rosie covering her nipples with her hands and her loose locks falling down around her shoulders. However just like the cover, the main attraction to this image is Rosie face. I’ve seen and talked about many a lower lip bite on this blog, but here Rosie utilises the move to its upmost. Her tousled hair and bedroom eyes coupled with what she’s doing with her lip is irresistible! A similar picture follows on page 45 and is again a favourite from this selection. Rosie’s portrayal of Lady Britannia is wonderful, trident in hand her primal roar again showcases how much fun she’s having on this shoot. I love the choice of blue underwear for this picture and while the flag is still visible, my eyes were drawn to Rosie foot positioning and use of props. Flawless!

On page 47 we get an array of Rosies. Twelve head and shoulder pictures of the marvellous model in different poses. I mentioned facial expression within this shoot, and here is where we see the greatest example of variation and personality. I love to see an established model like Rosie doing something different and letting some personality shine through. She’s a model that does try and inject fun into her pictures, but after so many shoots it can be hard to bring something new to a magazine. Here though each of the twelve shots is enjoyable, there are a few different shades of Rosie on show and I get the impression there were loads more from the series that could have been used.

We end the shoot with Rosie playing with a bulldog puppy. In the double page spread two pictures tell the story of the shoot. On 48 Rosie allows a smile to show through, almost like an outtake shot (a perfect one at that). On 49 though professional Rosie is there for all to see. Sharing the frame with a very lucky bulldog indeed, the all too familiar view of Rosie’s deep brown eyes leaves fans satisfied. Another wonderful offering from a national treasure.

Moving on to Arabella’s turn now which starts on page 72. I was looking forward to this new shoot, her last feature appearance in FRONT was a little bit of a let down for me personally. Here though I loved the idea Loaded were running with, that being a look at tattoos featuring “Britain’s sexiest inked girl”. I am always interested when Arabella talks tattoos, although there is a danger of her being typecast as just a girl with tattoos. She’s a talented model in her own right, and her shoots with no mention of tattoos are equally compelling. Here though there’s a happy medium, the text is all about tattoos and choices when it comes to body art. However, while the photos do focus on Arabella’s ink, there is a soft elegance to the posing and wardrobe that allows modelling chops to be shown off. I’ve noticed over the years that Arabella has a tendency to gravitate towards stereotypical “alt fashions”, whether it’s her own choice or that of the photographer, large caps and skater trainers do crop up on a regular basis. It was nice to see some suspenders with heels and lacy undergarments brought into this shoot, I think Arabella could model in anything, it’s nice to see her get the opportunity.

First of all the words, it’s actually a good read. Unusual for loaded, they just let Arabella voice her expertise on tattooing. She’s an authority on the subject and her knowledge needs no comedic questions to make it interesting. Well done Loaded for not overdoing it. The images are sublime, as alluded to above it’s something different from Arabella. The first image sees her topless in some angelic white hold-ups and lace pants. Very delicate pieces that contrast wonderfully against her olive skin and ink, I really enjoy her pose also, coyly holding her breasts with one tattooed arm and looking from under her fringe with a real sexy intensity. Pages 74 and 75 bring to the fore that lacy underwear and those suspenders. The image in the bottom left hand corner of 74 is very chic, with period elements that scream out vamp dressed in white! This tiny image is what I’m talking about with Arabella, it’s an example of what she can do when trusted to do something different.

Page 76 is my favourite image from Arabella’s set. A hazy shot showing off incredible eyes with a sultry nibble on her pinky finger that’s just terrific. Reminiscent of her sucking a middle finger in FRONT a few issues back, but totally different as well. A lighter side of Arabella yet again, and ever so delicious!

The final shot I wanted to talk about spreads over 80 and 81. This double page image highlights some of Arabella’s attitude whilst also maintaining a class that’s been present throughout the shoot. Strappy heels with a cream swimsuit is like something out of Mad Men, and her pose is laid back and seems to say “what of it?” Only one eye is visible due to her fringe, but it’s enough to lure you in and get lost in the coolness of this picture. It’s an Arabella shoot that I really enjoyed and an issue of Loaded that was surprising. I really liked the issue and there was so much crammed in that I found a number of other articles and features to get into. It got me thinking about FRONT, and while they do have the Alt Girl feature, there’s regularly little else to excite me. Having seen the newest issue featuring Mel Clarke that could change this month, and the news that the wonderful Chelsea is the current Alt Girl is thrilling. However, with the likes of Arabella and Rosie (as well as Mel, Seren, Sabine, Lucy etc) seemingly favouring work elsewhere, I think it’s about time FRONT looked for a fresh identity. As suggested in the past, I believe the future lies with the Alt Girls, and finding new talent that FRONT can monopolise to set them apart (at least for a short time).     

All images used in this article were taken from Google. I’d happily give credit to photographers if Loaded were more liberal with the credits themselves (I couldn’t find photog credits anywhere).   

I never thought I would ever be uninspired by an issue of FRONT that features Arabella, but issue 170 has achieved this to some degree. Don’t get me wrong, there are some extremely high highlights in the issue, but after my first read through this month’s offering I was left a little flat. I felt like there were a lot of rehashed ideas within the magazine as a whole, and only a few aspects of the content really jumped off the page at me.

Let’s start with Arabella’s cover shot. Now I’m a massive Arabella fan first and foremost, she’s done some incredible work with FRONT in the past, and seeing a heavily inked lady on the cover is always a delight in my opinion. The image that adorns the cover is nothing new unfortunately, Arabella looks stunning of course, and her ink is resplendent. But the weird cap and the fact she’s dripping with gold seems a bit odd. All the loose rings on her right hand just seem lazy, and there’s no embodiment of theme at all. It has the feel of a half-hearted fancy dress costume, with the slightest hint of chav thrown in for good measure. Thankfully the majority of my gaze was drawn to Arabella’s face, and she’s got such a beautiful expressive face that this does draw the audience’s focus. But there’s no getting away from the fact she looks a bit like an extremely sexy version of Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses, only with a crap cap instead of a flat cap.

Inside we quickly come to our first highlight of issue 170, that being on page 2 in an advert for “Drop Dead”. I love this two page spread and the model featured in the ad is quite mesmeric. I’d love to know who she is if readers know, I think the attitude and life behind her eyes is simply wonderful, as well as her overall demeanour. She enters into the “cool as fuck” club, where quite a few models from FRONT ads also reside. It was a nice unexpected bonus.

Next stop is the reader’s shit page, and a shout out to a friend of mine from the FRONT forum. Carrie got her artwork showcased on page 12 of this issue to my sheer delight! She’s an incredible artist and a really interesting and funny lady who I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know thanks to my work with this blog. I love her Alysha Nett picture that’s been published this month, and while FRONT did their usual diss-job, I thought they were less harsh than other times. I was properly made up when Carrie told me her work had made the mag, and I strongly urge people to check out her tumblr (http://carrielisbeth.tumblr.com) and her artwork facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CarrieLisbethArtwork) for more information and a chance to see some outstanding stuff. Definitely another highlight from this issue, and I hope the exposure will translate into more followers and attention for the lovely Carrie and her work.

Yet another mention for an ad lady on the opposite page (page 13) by the way. A very gorgeous woman modelling “Time Will Tell” clothing, just thought I’d say.

On to page 16 now and “Full Frontal” with Danielle. Now I never like it when FRONT hails a “triumphant return” or “back by popular demand” because when they do they seem to almost always refer to the return of a model that made a mediocre appearance in a past issue. Danielle isn’t really an exception. With a good outing in issue 165, and an albeit short and sweet showing here, there’s not much “triumphant” about it in my book. Here in issue 170 Danielle has a slightly new look, with shorter hair and a different fringe. She’s also rocking some more summery gear, but the pictures don’t drastically change from page to page. On 18 we see the best shot of the lot, with Danielle wearing a polka dotted dress, opened to reveal her ma-hoosive breasts, she’s also sporting the ever sexy knee socks. I love her hair being over one eye and also how the visible eye is toying with the camera. It’s a very alluring shot, and she works the pose expertly. On 19 I also like the flared skirt she’s wearing, and her stance is coquettish perfection. But the hair over the eye is utilised all too often, and is present in every shot. She’s a stunning lady no doubt, but variety is the spice of life, as well as the spice of photo shoots. I’d have liked to see something a little different.

Next stop Alt Girl Bella on page 58. While reminiscent of Keshia’s Alt Girl set in issue 168 (due mostly to similar leggings) this month’s AG offering is sublime. Shot by the magnificent Gemma Edwards, who is a FRONT fan as well as a terrific photographer (and it shows). Gemma understands what an Alt Girl shoot is all about, and her work in this issue really stands out. It is indeed another one of those highlights I mentioned before, not only due to an energetic and sexy model, but also a dynamic and fresh photographer (who also happens to be very sexy by the way). The first thing I noticed about Bella’s look was the similarities between her choice of eye make-up, and the inclusion of a picture of David Bowie. Maybe a weird thing to notice amidst all the sexyness, but it’s the truth. Away from that, she’s of course a very attractive lady, and her photos and posing match the energy and effervescence of her neon clothing. I love the shot at the top of page 59. Bella pulling up her t-shirt to reveal nipple and midriff piercings. The look on her face is a real joy, playful yet stunningly devilish. I love her body positioning and everything seems so natural about the picture. It’s always a good sign when you’re left wanting more from an Alt Girl shoot and I felt that way after Bella’s set. It felt way too short and I really wanted to see more from her. Perhaps we will in future issues. The shot at the bottom of page 60 is a treat also, I love the lowering of the leggings, and the position of the camera, and the angle from which the shot is taken is inspired. It also goes to show you don’t have to be looking into the camera to have an engaging shot. Lastly on 61 we get a full page shot of Bella to end the set. Again it’s a very natural looking shot, and the shape of her mouth and the subtly of her closed eyes works wonders. Once more the pulling down of the leggings is a well used tool, and Bella has such a gobsmacking figure.

The DIY section had a lot to follow after last months section blew me away, but there are a few ladies that I would love to see in the mag proper. Bonnie Flockers and Lindi ‘Hop’ Koprivnikar have tiny but impressive photos, and Bonnie in particular I think could make the transition to Alt Girl.

Arabella’s “my so-called life” is a very interesting piece this week, and the picture that accompanies it on page 73 is immense. I love her hair and the whole idea behind what is just a simple image. I actually liked learning a little bit about the lady behind the pictures here, and she sure does have a pretty amazing life. However, when she took this job I think she had to wave goodbye to regular main feature shoots. Otherwise the mag will become the Arabella show. Not that there’s anything wrong with that in the short term, but too much of a good thing and all that… It’s also pretty telling when I’m more invested in a two page column, as apposed to her 14 page spread.

So let’s get onto that spread shall we. I don’t really know what’s wrong with me this month, but for the life of me I couldn’t get on board with this Arabella shoot, and I never thought that would ever be the case. For me though, a plus from this set is the work and ideas of photographer Jay Mawson. Throughout the spread there are some interesting shots achieved, and a few new ways of shooting and exhibiting the wonderful Arabella. The first few hat shots I didn’t get much from. I liked the personality shown in the first four on pages 88 and 89, and Arabella does look awesome in a pink number on page 90, but the silly headwear plonked atop of these images just spoil them slightly for me. On page 91 we’ve got an inadvertent “bird flip” with Arabella’s middle fingers pressed against her lips. An idea that has been done before and done better in my view, El Wood’s use of a similar technique in her pale blue Bizarre shoot springs to mind. Pages 92 and 93 are my favourites from the spread by far. An inventive technique that blurs and marries a few different shots of Arabella, producing a very intriguing image covering the two pages. Kind of like a collage of Arabella, the resulting effect being quite dreamlike.

On page 95 is another exquisite shot spoiled for me by very suspect headwear. I don’t see the need for the white cap in the image, and the sheer size of the thing takes over the entire frame in my opinion. Finally I have to mention the shot on page 98, it’s a wonderful image to end the review on. I love Arabella’s stance in this picture, and we get a brilliant opportunity to see the wonderful ink on her right arm. Golden rings and silly hats took away a lot of the enjoyment for me throughout the feature in issue 170. On  page 98 we are offered a picture of Arabella free from adornments, and showcasing her beauty, elegance and legendary body art.

Bit of a negative Nelly in this months review sorry folks. I’m not particularly sure why. It was an ok issue in many ways; it had some pluses and not all that many minuses really. I think the majority of my negativity came from disappointment and a feeling of missed opportunity. When you get Arabella in your magazine, surely you have to push the boat out and come from left field a bit in terms of imagery. She’s a well known model and has been in many many magazines, with that comes too much familiarity and that’s not good. I remember last year people were moaning about Mel Clarke being in the magazine too often, with everyone thinking they had seen it all before. With these established models FRONT needs to come up with shoots that stretch their talents and invigorate an audience. Also, the “endless summer” theme has been done to death. It seems as though ever issue of FRONT latterly revolves around the weather and the season. I know it’s summer, I have windows in my house. FRONT covers festivals and sports etc in their mag all the time, why not come up with a festival based shoot, or an Olympic shoot perhaps? I for one would have loved to see Arabella in a sexy alt-tennis themed shoot (for the start of Wimbledon). I think seeing her in that fish out of water situation would have been a hoot, and I’m sure she would have come up with some killer ideas on set.

In response to issue 170 I have to say “more invention FRONT”. Let’s change it up a little in terms of shoot ideas for models. I have nothing against the regular FRONT females like Rosie, Mel and now Arabella, but they need to be used differently, and put in situations that challenge and inspire them when shooting. It’s just my opinion of course, what’s yours?  

Above image was taken from the FRONT tumblr.

A somewhat mixed bag this month from FRONT. It was always going to be hard to follow issue 164, it being a magnificent offering headlined by Alysha and Arabella’s tattoo feature. This month however will forever be special in my time following FRONT, as it saw the release of the new FRONT forum, a place I have spent many years enjoying, until it was recently overrun with spammers. Steve and Matt over at FRONT towers have done some incredible work to get a new forum established, and it’s kicked off with a terrific bang, focussing more on established forum females, and encouraging new blood to get involved. But I digress, let’s talk about the magazine…

Adorning the cover this month is the lovely Danielle. A model that is completely new to me, and a lady who I had no idea what to expect from. Her cover image is a bit of a Seren Gibson classic. Breasts peaking out from below a hiked up t-shirt (large breasts at that) and piercing eyes. Having said it’s a Seren classic pose, I don’t mean any negativity by this. Danielle looks wonderful on the cover, and I couldn’t wait to check out her feature. I could have done without the beanie hat though. You’ve got a gorgeous, sexy and new cover model, I know it’s cold this time of year, but there’s no need to slap a “last of the summer wine” style hat on her. The underwear she’s got on is very fun indeed, but the hat just detracts from all notions of feminine allure for me. I was a little vexed by the very large illustration behind Danielle on the cover as well. I get the plug for the “2000 AD” feature within, but the massive (darker that usual) backdrop to the cover girl made me look twice before I purchased my copy. Was this FRONT I was picking up? Little things like that irk me at times, sad perhaps, but there we have it.

From the inside, we’ll start on page 10, and a letter from very a disgruntled German reader. I have no idea what was accomplished by printing this bloke’s letter. Why showcase your detractors and their very skewed views of a magazine and more importantly it’s readership? Just leave hate mail like this in the bin FRONT, we don’t want to read it. Moving on to page 12, and a marvellous effort from Conor and his mate. Flyer knights! It really made me smile, and a cracking idea for all you students with extra takeaway menus.

From page 16, FRONT’s incredible run of “full frontals” continues. In recent months, the full frontal section of the magazine has shone, and even eclipsed the main feature in some cases. Lucy V’s efforts in issue 165 are no exception, and it is a brilliant few pages of imagery. Lucy’s first picture on page 17 sums up the whole section. It’s an attitude rich photograph, filled with cheek, fun and sex appeal. The red hair, lipstick and nail polish against her milky skin is so vibrant, and it’s a composition that works well. An Elvis curl to her upper lip exudes personality, and her breasts and hand placement hint at an extroverted confident model. It’s a real “check me out” picture. A double page sequence on 18 and 19 was a little disappointing. Not due to Lucy’s work, but what she’s wearing. I vividly remember Kate Lynch wearing something very similar in a shoot with FRONT a few months ago, and I am always knocked back slightly when I see something regurgitated. Lucy works the clothing very well though, and even with such a psychedelic pattern, Lucy is the focus. Pages 18 and 19 also show off Lucy’s incredible figure, and the four different shots of her depict a very skilled model offering so much variety in one feature. The versatility continues on pages 20 and 21. A contentious picture on page 20 perhaps. It’s not normal for FRONT to depict a smoking model (in the literal sense), but the smoulder in Lucy’s eyes matches the curls of smoke from her lips perfectly. It’s almost a fetish photograph, and the deviation away from FRONT’s usual style is a tribute to Lucy and photographer Jay Mawson. Finishing on page 21 Lucy’s feature ends on an absolute high. It’s my favourite image in the entire issue by a mile. Maybe disappointing coming only on page 21 out of 146, but I can’t get past how awesome a shot it is. There’s so many qualities in this picture of Lucy that’s it’s hard to pinpoint ones thoughts and feelings adequately. Her red hair is perfectly tousled, and her face the ultimate visage of nonchalant beauty and sexual magnetism. The stance/position Lucy takes up on the arm of a sofa is pretty special. It’s like a superhero perched on a building, and the green tights and red hair continue comic book connotations with a Poison Ivy-esque appeal. I can’t speak highly enough of this image of Lucy, and it made the issue for me. But that’s not to say there weren’t other things to get excited about on the pages that followed.

The top of page 28 held my attention particularly. The “king of killer fonts” half page interview with Josh Owen was nice. I actually spent quite a bit of time enjoying his illustration of the word “FRONT”, and it did the job of getting me very interested in Josh’s work. However the main illustration feature on pages 30 and 31 didn’t resonate with me again. I had the same problem getting on with Jack Teagle’s feature in issue 164. This time it’s Drew Millward’s turn to headline, but again I was left less than thrilled by the feature. I must reiterate, I have no problem with the artist in question, just as I didn’t with Jack last month. But they both happen to be styles that I don’t click with, no matter how popular they are at the moment. I wish Drew every success, and am sure he’s rightfully and deservedly amassed quite a loyal fan base.

This month’s “20 questions” on pages 42 and 43 was a master stroke may I say. Bruce Campbell is a hero for a lot of people my age, and having him in FRONT just fitted perfectly. Dan Hipp’s illustration on page 42 is awesome, and the questions are expertly answered by Bruce. I’m glad they didn’t focus on his TV show Burn Notice, as it’s not a favourite of mine, but they could have focussed more on his Evil Dead work for it to be the perfect chat for me. But seeing Mr Campbell in FRONT was delightful, and the two just go hand in hand for me. Very cool indeed!

Issue 165’s Alt Girl is Natalia Kalashnikov. An exotic and very lovely choice from the guys at FRONT. Maybe her name is offset a little by her coming from Reading, but her look certainly goes along with such a moniker. Her striptease style shoot was a transition of talent if not totally tantalising. Starting off on page 54 with cool trainers and a cheeky thumb pulling down her jeans, it seems Natalia knows what she’s doing. On page 55 we get another glimpse of her kick ass Nikes at the top of the page, and her kick ass…ass, at the bottom of the page. Natalia is resplendent with a nose ring and devilish eyes in the bottom image of 55. It’s a very sexual pose, and it works magnificently in her favour. The rest of Natalia’s images on pages 56 and 57 continues the strip down, and continues her flirtatious relationship with the camera. Natalia works the lens (and us) very well, but I did find myself wanting more once I shook off the affects of her mesmerising eyes.

Exciting indeed was the extension of the Alt Girl D.I.Y section this month. I must say that after I wrote FRONT a letter asking them to extend the D.I.Y section last month, I had no idea they would act so quickly. Of course I’m not enough of an egomaniac to believe my request had anything to do with the decision to increase the number of girls mentioned in the D.I.Y section, but it was a welcome move, if a little heavy handed in the way it was done. Ladies of note from the enlarged D.I.Y section were Vixin, Nicole Vaunt and Hannah, who all exhibited classic FRONT capabilities, and could be featured again in the future (not that anyone else couldn’t of course). But I wanted to give special mention to Abbie Mac and Valentine. These two women really represented for the vamps of the world, and brought a real vaudeville quality and variation to the section. I do like that FRONT included two ladies so different in look and style. Abbie Mac in particular had a very fabulous aura, and her hair was classic and vamp-tastic. Cracking job. One last little mention to Katie Jane also, she had something quirky about her images, a very nice hairstyle, and a sex appeal I could definitely see in an Alt Girl shoot. She would be my dark horse from the ladies featured. On the whole though, it was great to see an extra page of D.I.Y pictures, but I thought it was very unsubtle the way FRONT jammed in an advert for “Oceans Ate Alaska”. I felt it cut off the extra page from the rest of the D.I.Y section, and kind of left it floating out there as a random inclusion in the magazine. But I won’t complain too vigorously, I was just happy to see more photos from FRONT readers.

I must admit, for a FRONT feature, the piece on 2000 AD was superbly engrossing. I loved that the comic got such attention from the guys over at FRONT towers, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not being as clued up as I should be on 2000 AD, I found the article was not condescending in the slightest, and yet didn’t handle the material with kid gloves. The four pages of content on 2000 AD had the traditional FRONT sense of humour, but got to the point and shared some cracking information about the comic, it’s origins and it’s future. I must draw attention to the advert on page 86 as well though. It’s for “Broken Girls Club” and depicts one of their models in a sublime Boba Fett sweater. Broken Girls has been well known to me for a number of months now, and it is my opinion that this company hires some of the most attractive models working today. Simply going to their website will expose you to sheer beauty, and it’s so engaging you’ll be buying something before you know it. Of course the goods are top quality too, but they won’t hire me in the slightest, which is a frustration. But I digress…

Moving on to the cover girl, and Danielle’s feature. It begins on page 88, and at first I have to admit I was worried. Not at the girl chosen for this month’s feature, but it’s subject. I was worried “sexy t-shirt party” would just mean a fourteen page advert for some of FRONT’s contributors. How wrong I was. There was a little of that, but on the whole Danielle’s feature actually featured Danielle. It just so happened that she was wearing a different t-shirt now and again. Her first image on 88 involved the hat that irked me from her cover shot. I don’t see the need for it. Maybe it’s one more logo in shot to charge for, but it took something away for me weirdly, and at the risk of dwelling on it, I have to vent. Thankfully it’s the last we see of the offending item in this shoot. Page 90 brings my favourite shot of the set. Danielle stands in a revealingly cut “Exhumed” t-shirt, hands upon her volumised, choppy hair, and she looks exquisite! I love the pose, I love the cut of the t-shirt, I love the implied nude, I love the hair. Everything in this images screams gorgeous. The three pictures on page 91 accompany perfectly, and from top to bottom Danielle migrates from sultry pose to sultry pose. The t-shirts, happily, take second stage to Danielle’s work on camera, and mustard leggings just add yet another reveal to her incredible body. A double page spread on 92 and 93 is all about Danielle. Not a t-shirt in sight, just a close-up of her face and heaving bosoms. It’s a poster if ever I saw one, and this is probably the purest example of Danielle on camera we see. No t-shirts, no silly hats, just an attractive lady working it.

Turning the page to 94 and we are reminded of a tool FRONT has used on many occasions with established stars. For now we’ll call it “the four boxes of excellence”. Here is where we see Danielle in four small photos side by side in a square. I believe Vikki Blows did it best while eating a Twister lolly pop in one shoot, but this is a good effort from Danielle, and shows off lots of personality. Opposite on 95 is a fully nude, back to camera image of Danielle. It’s not the best shot of the bunch, but you can’t argue with her tremendous figure and knowing turn to camera.

There was a danger of this piece falling into a tired repetition of “rock chick” style photographs, however nothing of the sort happens. There are a variety of shots, only one hinting at a “rock chick” vibe. That one photo is a double on pages 96 and 97. There’s nothing tired about this images though, and Danielle does superbly well in the picture. She is a vision in black suspenders, and the whole rock chick image is turned on it’s head. We’re not paying attention to the t-shirt or the hints of a trashed room, instead, we look deep into Danielle’s eyes, and marvel at her wondrous black clad legs.

The final pages go some way to cementing Danielle as a successful FRONT cover debutant. While the feature and spread doesn’t smack you around the face with it’s fantasticality (the way Alysha and Arabella’s did), there is a subtly to the work that is classic FRONT. The t-shirt thing was a bit weak I must say, but Danielle did well with it, and I hope they give her a chance to show what she can do in a future full frontal set.

Lastly I have to mention a few things that actually jumped out of the magazine and impressed me. The “Extreme Romance” piece for Valentines Day was hilarious, and I loved the “Surprise Her” suggestion at number 1. I laughed out loud at points, and can’t remember a better FRONT feature off the top of my head. Another thing that I took from this month’s issue of FRONT was being introduced to “Listener” on page 136. It’s a band I’m not ashamed to say I had never heard of, and after reading the piece in FRONT, I hit YouTube and was blown away. They’re such a special band, and an experience to listen to. I felt the same way about their extreme wordsmithery as I did the first time I heard an Eminem track. Raw emotion and unbridled performance. I’m happily getting better acquainted with their work now.

Other things I wanted to mention: Von is looking fantastic on page 129. Not that she doesn’t always, but I had to mention her this month because she stopped me in my tracks. I always enjoy Von and Sim Wise, but I don’t really feel qualified to comment on their contributions to FRONT. Intimidation by their awesomeness I’m blaming. Also, page 130, the Choc Ice Clothing advert. This model is beautiful, and I couldn’t get her out of my head for a good hour after seeing the ad. Had to mention that unexpected treat.

Finally, a very general comment about FRONT and its offerings this year so far. It’s plain to see that FRONT are looking towards new talent to fill their pages, and they must be applauded for that. I’m not sure the reasons behind this, maybe just for the sake of finding new models, maybe because a lot of FRONT’s previous models are going more mainstream and they want to distance themselves from that. I’m not sure. But I’m very happy with what FRONT has been doing. This month I was introduced to a new model in Danielle, and was wowed by the contribution of Lucy V (especially page 21 as previously mentioned). While I can see them returning to their established models, I hope they keep this trend going. I envisage Vikki or Rosie reappearing next month, but perhaps in the future they could indulge some of the forum girls with magazine time? I think their appeal on the forum demonstrates their fan base, and I know they would fit into the magazine seamlessly. They are all fresh new models, with the FRONT ethos at heart. Speaking of the forum, I must applaud FRONT for breathing new life into it, and thanks to Yaz, Bow, Stripey and all the wonderful forum people for getting the new online home of FRONT jumping again. I hope you enjoyed your copy of this month’s FRONT, and I hope you enjoyed what I had to share here. All the very best!