Analysis of Album Covers linked with Album Posters

Typical Conventions of an Album Cover

First of all the usual conventions when it comes to the front of album covers are;

-Simple colour schemes

-Contrasting colour for the name of the Band/Artist.

-Hidden meanings

-Simple design

The typical conventions to the back of an album cover;

-Name of  Band/Artist and Album at the top

-List of song titles

-Barcode in bottom right

-Name of Record company and the owner of the copyrighted material

With all of these conventions in mind, I began to analyse the album cover of 'The Maccabees'-'Wall of Arms'.

Looking at this album cover I believe many of the conventions I listed above are very apparent to see.

For examples the general layout and composition of the cover is simplistic, with the one main photograph and main, bold writing. As well as this, there is the typical use of contrasting colour when it comes to the bands name and album title. The simple yet strong use of black font against the white background enables the writing to stand out significantly to the audience, as well as the bold feature included in the text.

It is also obvious that there is a simple colour scheme running throughout the cover. We see that each member of the band is dressed in bold, bright primary colours. I believe this works well, almost making it easier for the audience to identify with each memeber of the band individually. With these bright colours intergrated into that part of the cover, the simple white background with the bold, black writing keep the cover simple and enable the band to be the main part of this image.

Although there is not a clear 'hidden meaning' within this album cover, I do believe that the type of image used of the band is very intriguing. The artistic image used, has the audience guessing how this type of picture has been created. To me the band look as though they are clay or playdough models that have been made in order to look like that band. This gives an artistic and creatively different feel to the album cover, that I believe can be seen on many Indie-Pop Album Covers. Lastly the fact that all the band members are wearing sunglasses gives them a sense of mystery, which again could relate to the convention of a 'hidden meaning'.

Whilst comparing this Album cover to that of their Album Poster, there are many similarities, excluding many differences. For example we are given the same main image of the band; the playdough figures, with the mysterious sunglasses. Again this is the main part of the poster, with the brightest colours and eyecatching ways. Secondly, there appears to be another simplistic style incorporated, the title of the band is in bold capitals and appears to be the largest font used on the poster. The use of capitals,bold and the colour black of the band's name instantly grabs the audience's attention with again the great contrast to the blank, white background.

The only differences that appear to be on the poster, when compared to the album cover are to be in the smallest texts found in the top left and bottom right hand corners. Here as an audience we are informed of the organisation of the gigs being promoted, as well as successful singles that appear on the album, and therefore will be played at the upcoming gigs being advertised. As well as this, we are given other promotional sentences, such as the bands main website and myspace site, where their music can be heard.

Other Indie-Pop Album Covers and Promotional Posters

Whilst looking at other various Indie-Pop Album Covers and Promotional Posters, I began to realise a strong trend. Throughout most there appears to be lots of artistic cartoons or other unusual artistic features. As well as this the name of the band or artist appears to be the advertised in very simple lettering, almost allowing the artistic features included to shine through.