The wonderful world of Grunt: Grunt Mag issue 2 release party - Review.

Words and images by Libby Smith

Eager to get my hands on the highly anticipated Grunt magazine, I ventured down to Zed Alley last Thursday join in on the celebrations of their second ever release, amidst an evening of music, art and community.

Since their first release in September, Grunt has excelled at creating a community for like-minded creatives seeking an outlet. It is rare to see a new zine these days, let alone one that is bursting with so much love and art in all forms, so I was highly anticipating their new issue and what was in store.

Stepping through the doors of Zed Alley, I was immediately greeted by the incredible team behind Grunt, welcomed with open arms and big smiles.

It's nights like these that reinforce in my mind the importance of supporting local events in grassroots venues, such as this one. Seeing the team working the doors together, introducing themselves and expressing their appreciation for the various people who came is what made the event that bit more special - this is a family, an opportunity to network and meet other artists in an intimate environment whilst supporting something new and exciting - something that every local creative should experience. The need for this event was certainly evident, being reflected by the fact that the night was sold out a few days before it's opening.

@breakcheck_uk

The evening featured a range of DJs who energized the space, offering lively background sounds for those wishing to enjoy the latest release, mingle, and dance. With genres spanning from house and techno to jungle, Grunt delivered the ultimate party experience. By welcoming grassroots DJs like Redh3rring, Break Check, Xailia, and Kankofski, it captured the vibe perfectly and delivered the Grunty Bristol flavors.

The venue soon buzzed with the chatter and dancing of Grunt enthusiasts. It truly felt like a wonderful space to be, alive with artists eager to connect and collaborate. I had never visited this venue before, but I will definitely return—the staff were welcoming, the room was spacious, and it was just a great spot for an evening out.

Leaving the venue, I felt even more captivated by the world so intricately crafted by the Grunt team. Every detail of the evening, from beginning to end, reflected their passion for creativity and self-expression, and I'm thrilled to have experienced it. Issue 2 is truly something to be proud of, featuring a wonderfully diverse array of contributing artists. Each page radiates dedication and passion, and as I delved into it, I found myself incredibly inspired to create in every way I know, to create simply for the joy of creating—compelled to write, photograph, draw, and more. The publication is brimming with influence, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy while you can to experience the beauty of Grunt!