Mumford and Sons - CD Cover

Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More

Image

Mise en Scene

Colour – White is again a dominant colour in throughout this album. The significance of white is that it is fresh and may suggest that the band itself is something fresh and different in regards to its style of music. There are also hints of bright colours like a bright pink and blues, which suggest that the band is something different and stands out from all the typical chart music.

Props – The band all have an instrument with them behind the window, they are instruments like guitars and accordions that indicate that the band make their own music. This makes them seem more talented and automatically creates a personal feel to their music because we can see its something that they create even down to the musical instruments, they don’t just sing.

Positioning – The band are behind a window to the right of the screen. The fact that they are not central to the screen indicates that they do not take themselves too seriously or values themselves of extreme importance. They are also hiding behind a window, which indicates that they don’t want to force themselves into the screen but at the same time our attention is drawn to them.

Camera Shot

Close up of the window – This is on the back cover – the window is perhaps significant because it has connotations of opportunity and escape. This indicates that the bands see music as a way to escape everyday life and seek new opportunities and enjoy different experiences and break away from this regular routine.

Copy

Font – The font used throughout is consistent and is a curly sophisticated style of font. This is significant because it indicates that the band is serious about their music but at the same time the curly font adds a sense of style to it. This may indicate that the band themselves have a style. Also the curly style of the font is less serious and ordered which indicates that the band are laid back and nonchalant.

Colour – The colour of the font is black throughout all of the covers in the CD. Again by using this against the black makes their songs stand out from the page and gives them an importance representing the importance of the music to the band. This also adds a more personal dimension to the music.

Genre

The elements communicate the genre well mainly because the band are laid back and are not in your face and arrogant. Instead they are laid back and show a passion for their music, which is a key idea within the indie genre. Furthermore the happy smiling expressions on the bands faces on the inlay show that they enjoy the music and just have fun without taking it all too seriously or themselves too seriously which works well in the indie genre.

Target Audience

The idea that the band are likable as anchored by the smiles and obvious enjoyment that they get from their music is significant as it makes the band likable. This means the audience will feel more personal with the band. It doesn’t seem to have a specific target audience but instead takes the position that the music is just simply something to be enjoyed and is open and welcoming to anyone.

Mode of Address

On the inlay image one of the band members is waving with a grin on his face looking at the camera. This is a very friendly image and instantly makes the audience feel welcomed into the world that the band are in. It’s a very personal image and its not intimidating. The tone/mood of the whole album is laid back and very comforting/welcoming.

Tagline/Title/Name

The name of the band is “Mumford and Sons”. The use of the word ‘sons’ makes it very personal and this indicates that family is important to the band. This adds a sense of comfort just from the name alone and puts the audience at ease with the band.

The name of the album “Sigh no more” anchors this idea of ease and relaxation. It indicates that by sighing no more you are more relaxed and worry free. Therefore the music is aimed to put the audience at ease.

Blurb/Inlay

The inlay follows the same design as the front cover. The fact that each member of the band gets there own window, where they all do there own thing within it shows that they are still individuals. Yet they are close and share a bond as some smile at each other. The image is very comforting and welcoming. There is also an image of one of the band members playing a guitar in a dusky orange setting. This anchors the comforting, rustic feel of the band.

Representation

Class – The men are all wearing rural style clothing with the hats and the plaid shirts. This is significant, as they look small behind the window, which represents the idea of working classes being less significant within society. However the inlay image with them all at windows shows that they are up high and empowered, which offers a countertype view of the working class.

Enigma

The enigma is created by the name of the band, “Mumford and Sons” as many will question whether the band is actually related – are they a band made up of family members? Also the rustic feel to the band contrasted with the modern setting leaves us questioning the direction of their music – rustic or modern…

How are these ingredients common within the specific genre/subgenre?

Overall the elements used throughout the album covers are common within the genre as they provide this sense of being different, and a relaxed and laid back attitude towards their music. Also the personal feel we get towards the band is common within the genre and the approach to the audience.