CD Cover Analysis - Foals - Antidotes.

This CD cover by Foals is very effective. Although the image is very simplistic, it captures your eye because it is quite unusual and disjunctive. The basic outline of the image makes you focus more on the centre of it as this area has colour. The black and white effect works well on top of the plain, beige background as this once again draws you in to look at the unusual shapes in the mouth area. This could have a significant meaning to the album or a song. The simple sketch is very different to any other CD covers you would see in a different genre but this works well for the genre as it doesn't distract you from anything else on the cover and the cartoon aspect seems to be very consistent in the indie industry so this shows consistency and that it fits in well with other bands which are similar. The emotion in the face also captures your eye as it expresses certain emotions of the character. The image also becomes more detailed as it goes further into the centre and this could also symbolise something that they are trying to express to their target audience. The location of the image is centralised which shows that you can't avoid it and that this is the only image for the audience to focus on. The plain beige background signifies the basic outline of the person and the unusual shapes in his mouth could show that he is trying or wants to say something. The CD album title and band name is also centralised at the top of the cover which also stands out on top of the plain background. This organised layout is very appealing to the target audience as these simplistic conventions stand out immediately due to the use of colour and image. The colour scheme is very basic but this works well with the sketch and 'scruffy' font style. The colours are quite neutral as beige is the most significant colour used. Brighter colours are used in the shapes within the mouth which could be linked to what the image is trying to express or say. This is the most eye catching aspect of the whole cover. There are no actual camera shots used as it is not a realistic photograph although the drawing is a mid shot. The image is quite close up which helps express the emotion of the person. The sketch is very basic surrounding his face and body and gradually the attention to detail increases by the use of shading. This makes the image look more realistic. Editing is clearly used on this album cover. This is what makes it so appealing because it is quite different and unique to the artist. It could be categorised as disjunctive even though there could be some link to the artist or a song. The font used for the album name and artist is very eye catching. The use of black on the beige background stands out immediately and the font almost looks like it has been drawn so there is that link back to the sketch. The contrast in the black font of 'antidotes' and the non-filled text 'foals' works very well together. The overall design of the cover I think is very satisfying. It fits in well with the indie genre because the layout, font and image is so simple but still eye catching. I like the neutral colour scheme and how bright colours are used to draw attention to certain aspects of an image or area. The idea of drawing an image is also appealing as it makes it unique to the band and album itself. I may consider using a variety of drawings and photographs as I would like there to be a link to the band.