Category: DVD Reviews

Enjoi are a bit of a loose cannon. You see, Bag of Suck has been anticipated for far too long, and after the numerous team changes (which involved the loss of Marc Johnson and Bobby Puleo!) people were beginning to doubt whether the gang of Merry Pranksters could pull it off. The team took the criticism in their stride and shrugged off any doubt, clouding any footage for this DVD in mystery. Finally a release date was set and respected and the final product is everything you could have wished for and more… Much more.

In regulation orange, the little box with collage of point-and-shoot photo linear notes, the Bag of Suck DVD leads the way for fun on your skateboard. The featured riders- Jerry Hsu, Caswell Berry, Jose Rojo, Louie Barletta, Jason Adams and Clark Hassler– have only ever performed together for the fraternal Tilt Mode videos of the past. Those videos were a damn good breathe of laughing gas in a world dominated by deadly serious filming sessions. The Enjoi video obviously stays in the same vein of skating, but you can tell the guys have grown up a bit and know when to quit the party and get busy. In fact, on more than one occasion this DVD had me gasping at the feats performed.

After some stylish intro credits, Caswell Berry opens the show to the beats of Dead Prez ‘Hip-Hop’– a very good choice and banging tune I might add! Caswell is a bit of a gnarler, and when you see what he had to suffer to get some of his tricks down in the bonus sections, you’ll understand why Caswell can’t be slept on. Unless he’s drunk and demanding a haircut…

Jason Adams rolls up next and manages to pull a wicked part with hardly any ollies. You might ask how this is possible, but when you see how far and innovative Jason can take wallrides, you’ll suddenly feel like a new chapter of skating has been opened before you.

Next up is the sweetest bit of park skating I have seen in a while. Never before has synchronized skating looked so good. If the Enjoi squad had to enter the Olympics, a performance like this is definitely worth gold. I must also praise the filmer or whoever conceptualized this segment.

The first time I saw Jose Rojo was in a Tilt Mode video, and I remember Marc Johnson expressing undeniable talent in the kid thus giving him the premier amateur status on the team. Jose is a smooth operator who can cruise around any terrain in style. Jose recently suffered a bad car accident, but hopefully this hasn’t shaken his nerves because buttery skating like this is golden.

Clark Hassler is a bit of a tweaker. He might blurt random rubbish and gurn under pressure, but this kid has got some sweet tricks- notably on ledges. Clark doesn’t go all out to technify each trick, but he adds just the right amount of spice to have you rewinding his section to get a proper grasp at how difficult a few of his tricks are.

You can’t get the Enjoi team on screen without their mates clocking some footy too. The friends sections runs smoothly with a wide variety of talent featured, in fact (and I know other reviews have picked up on this too) keep an eye out for Dave ‘D3 Millionaire’ Mayhew who skates across the screen and proves the D3 debacle hasn’t robbed him of skills.

Ah! Louie Barletta… They say that one man’s madness is simply misunderstood genius, and Louie on his board demonstrates this to the tee. This wild eyed mascot to the team has got the skills to pay the bills as well as the positive attitude to enjoy each and every minute on his skateboard. Some people might look at Louie as a joke, but I honestly don’t think 90% of the pros out there could touch this guy or what he can do on a board. Hats off to the Mad hatter of skateboarding, this section is by far one of the most creative skateboarding parts ever as Barletta kills the most awkward spots with precision. If this part was on any other video it would be the grand finale but the star of the show and on everyone’s lips for this DVD has gone to another man on the team.

Finally the curtains drop, and it’s Jerry Hsu that sees us off with a two song part of ridiculous skating. From a very young age Jerry has demonstrated silly control and style that only a few would be able to emulate. I think Jerry has kept all of his footage for this part under lock and key because there are some serious bangers in here, plus to fill a two song segment you’ve got to be a busy bee. Gaps, rails, ledges, banks… Jerry can hold it down and hit up spots like no one else right now. This part will go down in history and maybe earn him the SOTY I the States, only time will tell, but you have to see this DVD, not for one man alone, but for a team effort.

So, there you have it- the much anticipated Enjoi DVD. The way in which the team pokes fun at skating, but primarily themselves, can leave onlookers perplexed as to where they are heading in the greater scheme of things, but this Bag of Suck is confirmation that the Enjoi team are not to be mocked. You have gathered that the skating is right up there, but don’t let me forget to tell you about the many bonuses and great soundtrack. In fact, I won’t. You need to get down to your SOS and grab a copy ASAP!

Soundtrack:

Part: Intro
Air – Dead Bodies

Part: Caswell Berry
Dead Prez – Hip Hop

Part: Jason Adams Pt. 1
Elvis Presley – Love Me Tender

Part: Jason Adams Pt. 2
Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros – Coma Girl

Part: Skateparks
Etta James – A Sunday Kind of Love

Part: Jose Rojo
Them – My Lonely Sad Eyes

Part: Clark Hassler
Canned Heat – Going Up the Country

Part: Mascots
Nate Denver – Clock Jitters

Part: Louie Barletta
Rod Stewart – Young Turks

Part: Jerry Hsu Pt. 1
Cass McCombs – Sacred Heart

Part: Jerry Hsu Pt. 2
Sonic Youth – Superstar

Part: Credits
Billy Bragg and Wilco – California Stars

Ralph Lloyd-Davis

Before Its Official dropped, the Kayo Corp was stirring up quite a frenzy over their first video and quite rightly so! This DVD ‘officialises’ the Kayo Corp as a premier company for street skating, incorporating various styles through it’s network of DGK, Expedition One, Organika and Gold.

The DVD kicks off with Kenny Hoyle who is the newest Kayo recruit. Kenny is your typical contemporary street skater, but Kenny can handle his business like the grown-ups, perhaps better..? I had never heard of Kenny before watching Its Official, but now I know why street patriarch, Stevie Williams is backing him.

Next is Kelly Hart who I had heard about and was anticipating quite greatly. You see, Kelly has a very laid back and controlled style on board, plus one of the best 360 flips in the business. When you couple this kid’s skating with a very well edited Common track, the results can only be astonishing.

Things only get better when Enrique Lorenzo pops up. Finally ridding himself of the cartoon characters, Enrique is all smiles and styles for miles. Like a Spanish version of JB Gillet, this street veteran can switch things up at a drop of a hat.

Time for a change of tune as catch up with Chany Jeanguenin and Richard Angelides. Now we all now Richard is an underground king who has repped the Adidas Shelltoe far too long to not get a proper hook-up, but Chany was killing everything since day dot! Not to be funny, but all I can here is Chany saying “Is it ‘cos I’ze Swiss???”. Bring on more Chany – and I don’t care if it’s on vert!

Organika gets some heavy repping next with King Dread Head Adelmo Junior. I have a new found respect for Adelmo since I watched this new part of his. The guy has pop, power, and a few unseen tricks hidden in that forest of hair of his, and he isn’t afraid to show it.

The last Organika rider to get eerie on the silver screen is Karl Watson who teams up with fellow brother, Robbie Holmes, to cruise the bay area and San Fransisco hills. Jamming to the beats of Damian Marley and Nas, this section is right up there in the ones to watch.

Always a pleasure to watch is Quim Cardona. I know some people criticise Quim for his weird style, but before your Brents and Co. there was Quim. An OG East Coast ripper who flows over every surface; if you still don’t like the visual music he plays, stick a tweaker in it!

Back to the Dirty Ghetto Kids with Lenny Rivas – a pocket sized gangsta that lots of you will hate, but trust me you wouldn’t step to the mouthy kid. Lenny reminds me of a young Steven Cales, but with the contemporary pop that amateurs seem to pack nowadays.

Next up to bat is Marcus McBride who doesn’t need to break a sweat to make you understand this brother knows how to ride. Please check out any old FTC video is you doubt this Bay Area boss.

Things get a whole lot heavier when Wade Desamo scrolls and rolls across the screen. Wade has raw power tucked into his XXXL clothes, and he isn’t worried about unleashing it on ledges, rails or gaps. I’ll put good money on Wade blowing up everywhere as of now.

Surprise surprise, DGK Mastermind, Stevie Williams doesn’t get last part! But, that doesn’t mean Stevie isn’t going to serve out some unique magic. Stevie has swagger and demeanor that some people misunderstand for arrogance, but when you catch the Keenan Milton dedication at the beginning of his part, you’ll understand that he is just carrying the torch for street skaters everywhere.

Finally, it’s the curtains with last part going to Jackson Curtin (*Tophat snare!*). Jack has spent a lot of time travelling and homing his skills so sharp that nothing is left unscathed by his skate tricks. There are some serious nollie and switch hammers going down in this section powered along by the beats of Kanye West’s Diamonds are from Sierra Leone track.

I take my hat off to everyone involved with this DVD because this is set for instant success in the streets. Powerful skating and great music edited very smoothly with fun graphics and atmosphere- something a lot of recent productions lack. Could this be a modern day 20 shot sequence? I think so- It’s official!

Ralph Lloyd-Davis
04/05/2006

I think a lot of people got confused when 411VM stopped the ever-increasing issue numbers in favour for the new volume versions. I was one of the confused viewers, but now I’ve understood the concept and actually prefer it. Instead of pumping out issue after issue with tight deadlines, Studio 411 takes a breath between each new release and invites people to conceptualise each issue, thus making the product stand out clearer than the next. Volume 14 Issue No.2 has been moulded by the gurus of finesse, Stereo, and that is in no way a bad thing at all!

So, let’s a have a quick run down of this DVD’s main points:

The issue kicks off with a homage to fallen soldiers, Harold Hunter and Trevor Prescott. Rest in Peace guys! Then the fun begins with some serious skating going down in the Chaos section. Keep your eyes peeled for one of the biggest kickflips ever! David Bachinsky drops jaws with his take on El Toro 20 stair. Check the catch!

Life isn’t all about hammers though, and hot amateur, Daryl Angel is here to remind us. After a near death experience, Daryl has learnt to make the most of life and push his skills for your viewing pleasure.

Next up, and I’ll try not to be biased, is fellow Brit Olly Todd. Recently picked up by Stereo, this guy fits the mould perfectly with cruising lines and smooth tricks. I’m not sure if everyone has picked of Mr.Todd’s skills, but this section should definitely have a few heads turning.

Someone else who has never got the recognition they deserve is Miami homeboy Abdias Rivera. I have always seen this kid at contests, in tour footage and various other areas of the media, but 411VM took the time to let Abdias shine, and trust me it’s pretty bright.

I’ll take this interval to talk about the adverts. Well not all of them, but just the Krux ones. Please say thank you to the weird creativity of this truck company who manage to keep your attention instead of pressing the skip button.

Next up is Paul ‘The Machine’ Machnau. Paul can handle any gap, rail, gap to rail or other generally gnarly spot like it was a stroll in the park. Even if this kind of skating might not be flavour of the month for everyone, you have to admire the cojones on this Canadian.

Jason Lee talks us through his take on the new Stereo team and even gets a few tricks in too. I’m not entirely sure if this second version is comparable to the first of the early 90’s, but the parallel is there. Just the general style and happy vibe will have you amped to go skate, I think.

Finally, we get to Tony Silva, the Stereo Sound Agency’s better than good amateur – not to be confused with a pissdrunk am they had riding for them some years a go, Tony Da Silva. Isn’t there a Tony Da Silva in the UK right now? Someone must me making these kids in a factory… In any case, Tony Silva dropped the ‘Da’ and has you going ‘Ah!’ at his sick skating. Oh, and listen to Benny Fairfax’s intro- ‘Knob jockey’ Ha!

And that just about wraps it up. Well, almost because then you get the inner note interviews and two bonus features which are this year’s Tampa Am contest. Please note the winner’s last run(!!!), and the best trick contest. The other feature is the final of 411VM’s Versus contest which places skaters head to head for best trick and a $25000 purse. Will it be Chris Haslam’s double flip footplant over the Barcelona bumps to bar? Or, Greg Lutzka’s frontside boardslide through a long double kink? Log onto the website www.411vm.com to place your vote.

I think this is one of the cleaner and more coherent versions of the infamour video magazine that I have seen I quite a while. Good stuff definitely worth checking out.

Ralph Lloyd-Davis
04/05/2006

Whilst one too many companies are chasing the buck with glossy ads, picture perfect team riders and technical gimmicks, Heroin Skateboards are looking for kicks with the highest quality goods they can get there fiendish hands on. Mark ‘Fos’ Foster has been at the helm of his brainchild for a few years now, and he has steered his dream through spills and thrills that have seen the team go international, a partnership with a porn producer and guest graphics for other major skate companies. I don’t know if the boss will let me say it, but Heroin is good!

So, I receive a pretty box with funny pictures on the cover (James Jarvis) and even better images inside- the Live From Antarctica DVD is a two hour treat (including bonuses) featuring Fos of course, Nick Worthington, Howard Cooke, Arthur Tubb, Chris Pulman, Rogie, Louie Jones, and the Osaka Daggers- Hamaji, Tomago and Chopper. This video is a eclectic mix of stylers that skate, roll and bounce to some sweet guitar riffs that many punks, rockers and mods would recognize. For those who dare to walk on the Darker side of the moon, Bro rider and in-house videographer, Alan Glass, has prepared a beautiful Necrophile remix of the video in a hidden place…

I don’t really want to run down everybodies section with a who, what, where, when, why, because that would undermine the task of making you lot go out and buy this great DVD, but I will mention a few things that mademe smile and slip out the door for a skate just that little bit faster than usual. Firstly, Howard Cooke is a beast who leaps chasms that only a madman with a glass eye might deem do-able.

Then there is Arthur Tubb who has the gift of skating simply but beautifully. Threading together lines at the most local of spots as well as getting his tourist thing on with some sweet bangers. I really do like Arthur. The Osaka Daggers are always a treat with their balls to the wall-ride-slide out approach to life. I am almost certain you will witness these funky Japanese guys pull a trick or two that you’ve never seen or thought possible before.

Overall, LFA is that breathe of fresh air the skate DVD market needs because Fos and Co. work hard but it looks like they are genuinely having fun on their boards- A rare sight these days. New spots, new tricks, old spots and old tricks, this DVD has them all and more. In fact, if anyone dared visit Antarctica on a skate mission, Heroin would probably clock some sort of footy be it a wallride on an iceberg, or a nosebonk on a penguin.

Ralph Lloyd-Davis

By James Cheetham

I suppose it’s only natural that kids are learning the digital ropes of film making nowadays with 1 in every three skaters having a handy-cam at their disposition. That said, Scene videos rarely reach center stage due to their simple editing, mediocre skating (Bar the local hero) and a soundtrack reminiscent of all the previous year’s greatest hits. James Cheetham’s Cheese on Tape is the exception to the rule.

Hailing from Brighton, home to the notorious Level Army (this video has footage from every generation) and knife wielding teenage mums, the quality of the skating on this DVD is way up there, and that really surprises me because Brighton is one the last places you want to go for street skating. So, what’s this visual mind melt got that others haven’t? There are lots of skaters featured, but here’s a run down of the strongest parts:

The video kicks off introducing the riders featured, but also takes the unorthodox route of interspersed edited montages featuring everyone. Surprisingly, this works and gets you hyped on what’s about to come with each skater’s individual part.

The first skater up to bat is Duncan Christy – a fine young chap who has been turning heads since many moons ago in the local scene. Duncan likes to get tech, and his recent growth spurt has added -dare I say- a Jensen-esque air to his effortless style. Just watch his opening line, and then watch him pick apart various obstacles in his path. Duncan Christy is a definite name to remember.

Hometown hero, Amir ‘Chubbs’ Williams has come a long way since comping and bugging everyone down at the Level. He is now pro for Karma Skateboards, and rightfully owns the place. Don’t bother trying to snake this kid because it’s a losing battle. Amir skates everything and fast. I especially liked the small snippets of wreckless downhill barging because Brighton is full of hairy descents to test your nerves, but Amir doesn’t break a sweat.

Tom Felix is a storm in a teacup. You know this right away when Tom throws himself a few feet higher than everyone else when he ollies. Whether it’s a huge backside bigspin or a tweaked stalefish grab, this kid has got it down- bolts. Don’t let this quiet teenager fool you because his skating can pack a mean punch.

Top heavy on the style tip, James Kilpatrick cruises around and mixes his flips with his gaps. James’ skating has character, mixed with mischief, so don’t be surprised if the kid with golden locks shuts down your local spot and simply smiles back at you.

Tom Banham is the younger half of two Brothers, the older being Sam, that know the Level like the back of their hand. Every time Tom steps on his board, you know you’re in for a treat. The ridiculous style and catch must run in the family blood.

Finally, the last part goes to Louie Cooper who is definitely going to become a familiar name in the near future. Louie is smooth and nonchalant, but as you watch in amazement, you forget just how hard some of the stuff is that little Louie does. A particular nollie heelflip salad grind at Milton Keynes has already set the ground for fame.

Alright, sorry this review has run so long, but Cheese on Tape is well worth your hard earned cash. Some might look at it as a little skatepark heavy on the footage, but like I mentioned earlier Brighton is shit for street skating. Luckily James Cheetham and Co. have really worked hard to find legitimate street stuff to make this video well rounded spot-wise. The editing is neat and tidy and the different sections are put together smartly and smoothly. Also, don’t forget the bonus footage that shows how some of the lads featured are a threat to anyone’s parks or spots. Very good stuff!

Ralph Lloyd-Davis
28/03/2006

Miles, just another invention / So quick achieved

www.consolidatedskateboard.com

I have to take my hat off to the guys at Consolidated Skateboards. These guys are all about skateboarding and you can tell they are in it and at it for all the good reasons- reasons many others have forgotten… This double DVD is only a couple of hours worth of great skating from a very diverse team, ad I guarantee you it will have you rolling about in no time.

Miles is a simple road trip that took the Consolidated team across America in search of sick parks and gnarly spots. The journey passes through Washington DC, Orcas Island, Minnesota and Arizona to name a few stops. There’s even some foreign footage in there in case you thought these skate troopers might turn up a chance to visit Spain, for instance. Seeing as everyone skates together and no-one gets a defined part, it’s hard to say who rips the hardest. I think the general vibe of Miles is to open your eyes and get you m travelling into the unknown because there is a whole wealth of spots out there that are yet to be found or skated to their full potential. If that was the plan, then its mission accomplished!

The second DVD, So quick achieved, is a short team video that came about through endless travels (c.f. Miles), and gathered footage since the last 18 months at least. Obviously the Consolidated riders are too busy riding to stop for photo Ops and press calls, so this DVD is a chance to catch up with some seriously good underground skaters. First up to bat and definitely on route to greater things is Emeric ‘Olu’ Pratt. Olu doesn’t skate like your average street skater and that’s a feather in his cap. Seth McCaluml (who recently got the boot!) comes through with a well-rounded part that hardly touches any familiar spots. Seth can and will skate anything you put in front of him- Lets hope his next sponsor realises this.

Stepping up for OG status at Consolidated is Roberto Aleman whose solid style races around your screen and has you scratching your head as to how he gets away with such gnarly tricks. Next up is the man- Karma Tsocheff. Karma never ceases to amaze me with keeping up to par and simply doing what he likes. Karma’s skill is often over-looked but trust me this guy can skate it all, and has skated it all- huge transitioned boat skeletons? No problem. Sweltering indoor demos? He’s there. Sketchy rough asphalt hills? Karma’s had it. Finally, SQA ends with a sweet part from Brian Heck. I remember thinking this guy was looking comfortable on his board a few years ago, so today he’s breezing it. That said, Brian will still risk on some hairy line or carve if necessary.

So, for a double DVD pack, Miles and SQA are worth your pounds and pence. Even if Consolidated don’t hog the limelight, and half their riders are globally unknown, this team embodies skateboarding to the fullest. Whether it’s travelling with friends in search of new terrain, or standing up for the restless roots of our culture and taking it to the face of dubious corporate management, Consolidated get it done.

Ralph Lloyd-Davis
16/03/2006

Square is a strong advocate for European skating with hand-picked riders from the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Norway etc… They also handle a well rounded team that will travel to your local spot and kill it. You got full pipes? They can handle it. You got rails? That’s covered too. How about ledges? Are you kidding?!? Here’s how No place like home… demonstrates these skills:

The first guy to open the show is Matthieu Hilaire who lives approximately 100 meters away from a Lyon’s main street spot- Hotel de Ville. Matt has already got necks hurting from a lot of head-turning in France, so I guess that’s because of all the training he can get in at Hotel. Remember his name.
Next up are a few twin sections where riders pair up and get busy in the streets. Take note that each rider gets his or her share of the limelight, and the general mood comes across as being one of good friendship.

In France, Baptiste Myzor and William Phan serve out some serious tips in line building. Baptiste leaps on a couple of rails, whilst William takes his time to let his flawless steez flow.

Dan Wileman and Lucien Clarke double up for a great part of stumpwood annihilation. While Dan attacks everything with fearless speed, Lucien puts down some buttery hammers with a smile on his face.

Don’t let the blonde hair, blue eyes and cheeky smile fool you! Steffi Weiss is set to push female street skating, and introduces herself well to those who doubt the opposite sex.

Elsewhere, Alexis Jauzion fills the shoes of the gnarly ATV by charging at more than one high risk spot, and Raul Fernandez shows us that being a team manager doesn’t mean you skate less.
Stefan Bircher has a short but sweet part, and actually takes the time to bow down from the pro ranks in order to concentrate on making films about women being jiggled around in the gym(???).

Thibaud Fradin looks a lot more relaxed than previous footage would suggest and varies up his trick selection. The result is a pretty mental part.

Two of Spain’s greatest street skaters join forces to produce a part that could blow many a top pro out of the water. Dani Lebron and Jesus Fernandez are the tech twins that have skills to pay the bills, and the authority to film lines at Macba.

Finally, the Norwegian version of precision engineering- Henning Braaten. Santa Cruz just picked up Henning, and despite not doing him justice in their DVD, Square definitely put this Northerner on the map. You might be blown away by his switch pop or his 360 flips, but please take note of the switch backfoot flip mid-line ??? Henning murks it!

I will add that Square took the time to interlace the video with funny skits involving various riders. These skits serve their purpose and bring a wry smile to any Euro face watching this DVD. There are also various bonus features including some of the pros commentating their sections, the flow team and alternate angles.

Overall, Square’s No place like home… makes you feel proud of your European roots and the talent our continent can raise.

Ralph Lloyd-Davis
24/01/2006

4 Star Clothing in Japan

I admit that I initially thought Super Champion Funzone was a promo video that wouldn’t cost more than a fiver and probably come free with magazines next month. I was wrong.

4 Star Clothing sew the threads that dress some of the finest skaters out there. SCF takes us on a journey with Mike Carroll, Rick Howard, Eric Koston, Mark Gonzales, Brian Anderson, Max Schaaf, PJ Ladd, and even Guy Mariano (even though he just chills in a flat cap- expect his footage elsewhere…) as they tour Japan to promote their high quality goods.

Obviously, presented like that, the idea of sitting through another Ty Evans bro-down private joke documentary is less than appealing, but I think you fail to realise just who you’re about to watch!

I won’t go into too much detail over the proceedings of demos, autograph signing, waiting and general tour madness that occurs throughout, but here are a few things you should know: PJ can talk, Koston can skate everything, the Gonz is a certified lunatic, Mike Carroll is actually friendly despite the gruff appearance, Max Schaaf is the ‘mood maker‘, Brian Anderson can perform one man demos and Rick Howard is probably one of the best bosses to have.

I watched this alone, and again with my girlfriend. She didn’t complain which obviously means there is more to SCF than just plain skating. With the fly on the wall style, you find yourself giggling at the 4 Star team’s predicaments abroad, even if Mark Gonzales does look like he’s over doing it at times. You also realise just what it must be like to be a skater at the top of your game and that entails and demands of you. Eric and the boys take everything in their stride even if you know they wish they were elsewhere at times. My girlfriend kept asking me if any of them were married or had girlfriends? I have no idea, but I can only imagine they must be patient.

So, SCF is a success in its graphic portrayal of tour life and gives you that urge to hit the road with your pals and skate the unknown. I might also add the bonus sections which include a bizarre weekend with the artist formerly known as the Gonz, and a sick skate part from big man Brian Anderson, go get it!

Visit www.fourstarclothing.com for more.

Ralph Lloyd-Davis

411VM has come a hell of a long way since it’s creation way back in 1993. Seeing as they are the true pioneers to the video magazine market, and are still held in high regard for their innovation of the audio visual medium, it’s pretty obvious that 411VM are going to have to stay at least 2 steps ahead of the game if they want to retain their respect.

The near deadly age of hour longs tapes full of redundant advertisements, weak articles and cutting room floor footage are over! 411VM has had a face lift and a revamp- they no longer come out each and every month, they keep it short, and they get an artist to come and animate the whole thing.

411VM 14.1 is the latest offering and inside we find: Donny Barley, Corey Duffel, Marius Syvanen and Tyler Bledsoe, Billabong in Canada, Jack Curtin, a handful of extras and tidbits (c.f. Magazine inserts with interviews…), and the whole thing is given artistic colour by Mr. Todd Francis (graphic designer for Element Skateboards since 1999).

At a first glance, it looks pretty good, but when you scratch the surface, some strange things catch the eye. I won’t knock Donny Barley because he’s the Don. Plus, for all UK heads, you’ll be stoked to see that Donnie has a lot of footage filmed on our shores, notably his opening line in Liverpool! Despite all of the slack he gets for his scarecrow looks, Corey Duffel actually looks good doing what he does, which is annihilate big rails and gaps. Corey better have stock in pharmaceutical goods because when he gets older, he won’t be able to walk… I can’t mock Marius either because the young kid has got a cool style and he backside flips to bomb switch(!) a hill that many of us would find hard just walking down. Jack Curtin is also a very fresh skater to watch roll around, so I won’t hit the skip button there either.

Now the deception: Something screams free advertising in this issue of 411VM. I don’t know if it’s the World Industries team disguised as the Billabong squad give or take a couple of riders, or Hawk Clothing repping their wonder kids with a twinned Marius and Tyler part..? Thanks for Marius’ style and Mike Petersen’s gnarly skating, I might feel slightly duped. The other bother of this issue is Jack’s part filmed entirely in Barcelona. I’m not one to advocate the blowout of Barca footage doing the rounds at the moment, but something says this is all stuff that wouldn’t make it elsewhere for that very reason.

Despite those couple of let-downs (which are entirely my own opinion!), I honestly think 411VM have done good with this issue and have been very smart in the way they ironed out the bumps of previous video magazine formats. Issue 14.1 is in shops now and next issue we can expect a Stereo theme with Olly Todd getting a check out!

www.411vm.com

Ralph Lloyd-Davis

So, the video starts and bears the unholy words ‘tour video’, but don’t fret, dry your eyes and sit down. Though the animation and ‘starsign’ style editing is a little cheesy, it’s kinda charming and adds a good, albeit a bit of a simple theme. There are no narratives, there’s no melodramatic nonsense about how hard it is to sleep on tour or even much park footage.

This, along with the city based footage makes it a welcome change to the monotony of most tour videos used to tide over the companies fans for the timebeing. With a team that boasts Steve Olson, Matt Pailes, Lucian Moon, the powerhouse that is Brent Atchley and new addition Kenny Reed, the level of skating is high and diverse as ever, I’m sure you don’t need or want spoilers. Good clean fun, in unseen territory.

One complaint I have is that it drags on a wee bit, but as I was watching this at 2:30am in a freezing cold warehouse that might have something to do with it..Well worth the cash, and for footage of Steve Olson who wouldn’t pay that?

Visit www.satorimovement.com for more team info.

Ginonix