Textual Analysis of Album Cover - The Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys album cover;
Humbug
Released in 2009

This album cover shows all the band members similarly to the maccabee's cover and the Jamie T cover which connotes their importance and makes them iconic figures. Furthermore, similarly to the Maccabees cover, none of the band-mates are looking at the camera. This creates an enigma and connotes mystery around the band. The lighting used in this cover is also quite dark and sepia which further anchors this idea of mystery. Also, the sepia tint to the colouring has connotations of age which could indicate that they have musical influences from older rock and indie bands such as the stone roses. Their costume is also very iconic of the "indie" fashion as one of the band mates is in a denim jacket with long hair connoting quite a 'grungy' style which is typically linked to this genre of music. The costume would also appeal to a youthful target demographic such as teen's and young adults which I have also found is quite typical of the indie genre. The bandmates are all young which further appeals to the target audience as it sets the band up as role-models who influence their audience with not only their music, but also their style and attitudes. Also, none of the members particularly dominate the frame which connotes that they are all on an equal level. The facial expressions of the band members is serious which additionally anchors the mysterious atmostphere. The title is just of centre in the frame and is on the white background of a band-members hoody. This therefore makes the band name stand out but also gives the album cover a unique and different feel which could suggest that this is what their music is like and portrays the band as being very unique.