Volcom Stone presents Let's Live in loving memory of Shane Cross. This film is the second Volcom skate flick to be dedicated to a fallen friend. Their first film Chichagof was dedicated to Scott Stamnes. This particular visual production is shot mostly in OZ. With full parts by Shane's mates from down under including Jack Duncombe, Chima Ferguson, Lewis Marnell, Chris Wood, Joe Please, Shane Azar, & Dustin Dollin. There is also a montage with some of Volcoms non-Australian riders: Nick Trapasso, Aaron Suski, Nick Dompierre, Brandon Westgate, Dennis Busenitz, Mark Appleyard & Caswell Berry.
The movie starts out with a short dedication to Shane Cross then straight into a long artsy intro that is typical of a Volcom film production. Dustin Dollin has his own intro before he dazzles us with his gnarly bombardment of tricks that we come to demand from him. Be prepared for some surprises and keep your eyes peeled for some body varials. Dustin is goofy footed which means those gnarly Backside Crooked Grinds that he nails with a stylish air of confidence, are switch.
Next up is Lewis Marnell's intro which is some weird acid trip type thing. This guy gave us a short glimpse of his skating as stylish as it was. It's easy to see that he has improved ten fold. Dustin Dollin has been given credit for nurturing this talent; however, Lewis is not a Dustin Dollin clone. Lewis has his own style and take on skateboarding which is very flowy, clean and has a very gentle float to his Rastafaren overtone. His big inward Heal Flips and a Front Side Flip to Switch Back Crooked Grind proves Lewis has moved out of Dustin's shadow.
Then on to the non-Australian's: Appleyard opens up this can of worms. He also Backside Flips a legitimate street gap going slower then I've ever seen anyone Ollie one. I've witnessed Mark Appleyard's pop first hand but I was still surprised. Then Brandon Westgate put in 5 tricks before Aaron Suski and Dennis Busenitz join the montage. Caswell Berry donates about 8 tricks to the fray giving Darrell Stanton enough time to remind us why he is Houston's favorite son. I'm probably the only one that will think this is ironic but a few seconds after Stanton stomps a Bennett Grind, Nick Trapasso takes center stage and passes the torch to Nick Dompierre to wrap up the non-Australian part.
Following what I call the re-intro comes Chris Wood. I have never seen him before and I can not find a single thing about him other than this video. So I guess it's safe to say this is his best video part ever.
Next up is the youngins: Keiren Rielly & Stevo Dugec. These kids share a small part. I always lose a little bit more sleep at night with every kid half my age I see who is Back Smith Grinding a rail that I would not even Back Board Slide. Skateboarding has always bred gnarl monsters but its getting out of control - which is a good thing. These kids will be dominating the Australian seen or be in wheelchairs in the next five years.
Shane Azar shows off some sick Australian spots that I have never seen before. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I hope there are a lot more Australian tours. When I think of Jake Duncombe, mullets and mayhem are the first thing that come to mind. But with or without his ape drape this kid kills. His part is very well rounded. It's got good tech skating, amazing tran, big gaps, plenty of rails and some fun creative stuff. He even does a Front Side Kick Flip with an old fishtail board. The thing looks like it has no concave at all and big honk'in longboard wheels. Jake is a heavy drinker and a heavy hitter. Check out his Blind, What If part some time. If you have not seen it already.
Following a Godzilla like intro, Chima Ferguson gives a Godzilla like performance. He has the best edited part in this movie. Just let me say, “WOW! You need to see this part”.
Joe Pease's intro is a montage of what Shane Cross meant to the team. His “flip into everything in sight” style part was short and to the point.
Next is Shane's part. It starts off with an old home video of Shane skating. This video quality increases as does his skill and the length of his hair until you end up with the 21 year old Shane. I feel it is disrespectful to critique the skating of the departed. Even though I have nothing but praise to give him, I will refrain. I will just say that if everyone in the world could love life as much as Shane loved his, we all would be in a good place. Let me give my condolences to Shane Cross's friends and family. Let's Live will carry Shane's legend on into history. Reminding people that life is short so enjoy it while you can.
This is why skateboarding is… And that is why I skate.
BLACK & BLUE vol. 1: by David Benson 8-27-07
Every one loves free promo videos. This one has shots of from David Gravette, Brian "Slash" Hansen & JT. Aultz. There is also a ditch session, US tour, and Ricky Oyola who has a short part. This is volume one of Black & Blue so maybe the rest of the guys will come out with parts later volumes. Hopefully we will see shots of Dan Drehobl, Justin Strubing, Darren Navarrette, Peter Hewitt, Emmanuel Guzman, Peter Watkins & Andian Mallory in future videos. It is safe to say there will be a lot more Black & Blue promos to come.
Vox is a new company but they are coming out pretty strong. I've never ridden a pair of their shoes but I know some kids that have. They all say the same thing, “they take some time to break in but after that they are a “dream”.
David Gravette is a gnarl monster. He is 18 years old and his part in this video is gnarly and creative. You do not see that mixture enough. This video really shows off David's skill and ambition. This kid just goes for it, no fear of death. But it looks like he's still having fun and isn't that what it's all about?
D.I.Y. is a little Black & White ditch session. And, just for the record as soon as I find a good ditch I'll show you how to build one of those plywood extensions. The US tour lets you see all the riders on the team, even the ones that do not have full parts. Vox puts it down all over the USA. All types of demo and street footy. Keep an eye out for your hometown. If your hometown made it on the video, send me some pictures of you and your friends laying down some hammers of your own.
Ricky Oyola has some great tricks in his mini part. But his sixty second sampler was not enough for me. Vox should have held off on releasing this part and waited for more footy. Slash's part is titled “Out of the Blue”. I would not say that Slash is coming out of the blue. Look at his Pig's Slaughterhouse. The only two things that are out of the blue here is the amazingly creative intro and the fact that Slash seems to be pushing his real name: Brian Hansen. Calling himself Slash was cheesy, yes, but it's easy to remember. “Slash sticks out where as “Brian Hansen” is a plain-john name – but there is nothing plain about his skating. Now that he got himself a piece of the spotlight maybe he thinks it's safe to go by his real name. I wonder if Lizard King will do the same....Brian "Slash" Hanson looks 10 years younger with out the beard. Frankly, I prefer the beard. His skating is killer, as always, but this part is not as gnarly as they are unusual. It's more well rounded and if I have to drop any hints to get you to go find this part it would be this: "Murder Horn".
When I saw that JT Aultz had the ender for the promo I was not at all surprised. But, I was disappointed until I pressed play. This is by far the best part he has ever put together. You can tell he held nothing back for this promo part I was astounded. I'm sorry I ever doubted the guy. JT Aultz earned the ender. May the skate gods rain down vengeance upon my head if I ever say different.
Make sure you check out all the cool Creature, Pig, Krooked and Real stuff before you head over to www.voxfootwear.com too see the Black and Blue promo for yourself.
Black & White: reviewed by David Benson 8-24-07
Black & white is not just the name of the first mystery video. It is how the movie is shot. It has a 1960's musical theme that is only interrupted by Lindsey Roberts' Wu-tang Clan song.
Ryan Bobber has the first part. He has come a long way since being that, one little kid in "Miss-led Youth." Ryan's ender is pretty cool. I hope pros start killing that hand rail to bank spot.
I bet you did not know that Jimmy Carlin is a jump rope master. His intro is by far the weirdest. In my opinion Carlin's skating is the best part in the whole video. This part was creative and fun. Kudos to who ever shot this part. The film work was great. I hope to see more from Carlin in the future. When he double flips Carl's ...... never mind I do not want to spoil his ender.
Not so welcome a surprise was that Durrant, Lopez & James all shared one part. Three is too many chefs in the kitchen, if you ask me. In the movie when James gets out of the back seat of Lopez's car I find it a little disrespectful. Come on man, I know James is the new kid, but have some respect he kills. I guess James ending the part makes up for that. Durrant's quick flash in the pan was fun with some rad Japan spots. It was good. I wish he would have been given a full part. Lopez's contribution was only seven tricks. The camera work on the last trick was cool but maybe Lopez should stay over his board instead of under a tattoo needle. James' part was short too but he came in strong and finished strong. I cannot believe that he can lay down the hammers like that in those huge pants, let alone with such style.
Crocket comes in second to Carlin in the weird intro race. His part was sick too. Maybe I should only watch parts with weird intros from now on.
Is it to early to say that Ryan Smith is the new Heath Kirchart? That should be compliment enough, but thanks for making me laugh with that whole flaming baby doll thing Mister Smith.
Do not blink here comes Lindsey Roberts or you may miss one of the grabs this guy thrown in with his full cabs. Roberts' is a Heel Flipper like me so this may be a little prejudice, but I think it's good to see someone heel into something every now and again. Roberts' has more hammers than I have fingers. No filler here Roberts nailed this part. Look at his feet. He came down right over the bolts on most of his tricks. I do have to say one more time that he broke the whole 60's theme (R.I.P. Ol' Dirty Bastard). What is the deal Roberts? You are about as 'G' as me.
Murphy has the ender and let me tell you I've been peep'n this cat on Post 22 since he was just on flow. Now he is ending the first Mystery video. Apparently throwing gnarly Switch and Nollie Flips paid off for Murphy.
Black and White was a decent enough film but it did not knock my socks off.
7/23/07 by David Benson
This weeks Gettin' Stoked vid. is "Ben Loates, Nate Roline After School Special."
I am always looking for new skate videos on youtube, from old pro films filmed the 80's, to the brand new underground shop videos being filmed today. I find a lot of cool videos that get me ready to skate and I am always saying "Bryan you have to see this vid. Its sick man. You should check it out and then lets go skate." However, this process can be hit or miss so I'll save you some time and effort buy blogging about my searches and bringing you the videos that I think are the most inspiring for that week.
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