Textual analysis of CD Covers - Plain White T's

Mise en Scene

The main colour featured is brown again displaying a blank canvas which seems to be an iconic feature of the CD covers I have analyzed however the band members are shown in black and white which makes the stand out against the brown the coloring makes the Album cover seem like a college.

The title is colored in sky blue connoting that for the band the sky is the limit there is also an element of freedom that is associated with the colour blue. This is the main feature of the album cover hence the blue is bright and bold this reflects the band’s impact on it’s audiences they will be hit by the music in the face it will be bold and memorable.

The band members are all joined in the centre of the frame at various angles this shows their close relationship with one another and their unity status; however their different stances and positions also show they should be recognized as individuals too.

The facial expression and body language of the individuals shown are random: some are giving a direct mode of address whilst others aren’t looking at all. Some are facing the audience and others aren’t etc…. this randomness is a reflection of the different genres the music ventures into.

Copy and Title

Every second counts is the title of the album cover this shows that the band are very committed and dedicated and believe that through out life every second is of importance. This copy is in a handwritten style that matches the swirls and doodles in the background, it shows free expression and individuality features associated with the genre of the band.

Camera shot

The camera shot used for the album cover differs each band member is shot in a different way – from medium shots to close ups. This variation is a way in which the audience can relate to the band on different levels and through different people showing inclusivity.

Enigma

Throughout the album cover not much is revealed regarding the genre of music therefore an enigma is kept up to what type of indie route the band are going to take due to the random elements shown i.e. the howlign wolf, the casseete etc... all signifiers of the bands individuality.

Representation


The band is represented to be a united entity that is all inclusive as this is the first indie band researched that include those of ethnic diversity and as he is giving the audience a direct mode of address it shows he is important. As well as this the band is made up of all men that are the centre of the audience's attention when looking at the album cover this is similar in a lot of album covers that feature males as to reinforce the dominant ideology of a patriarchal society.