Main image

The main image is of all the band members sitting in the

foreground and in focus, the set consists of an old English

brick house, this connotes that this is in the countryside (and

with the horse in the shot, makes it seem like a farm yard) and

from it connotes that the band must be either a folk/indie

band. There seems to be a party going on in the middle

ground and they are all out of focus, giving the photograph

movement, but also keeps the attention on what is in focus

(the band) which could possibly signify that this album is most

likely about their own personal experiences and brands the

artists as being down to earth and artistic with their

lyrics/music.

Their costume consists of trench coats, boots, blazers, shirts,

ties and denim jackets. The overall feel of the costume is

elegant but casual, again supporting their brand of being

down to earth. This also conforms to the stereotypes about

people who live in rural areas are often from the (upper/)

middle class and dress elegantly much like most of the

members are. The contrast of the colours in the foreground

and the background are much more toned down, representing

the group as calm and composed about their work.

The body language of the band is also calm and laid back,

with most of them sitting with their legs half open, and there

are no extravagant poses keeping in with their down to earth

brand.

Band & Album title

The font used looks slightly aged and not perfect. The font is

serif and makes the band look formal. The illuminated ‘&’ sign

adds more, making it look elegant as well as formal. This

connotes that they’re quite a serious band that most likely

talks about something with a much deep meaning in their

lyrics, and that they care about their music.

From the title Babel, it connotes some Biblical/Religious

references, therefore some of the songs probably talk about

faithfulness.

The use of the black font goes with the band’s colours, and

keeps in with their rep as being down to earth since black

does stand out but not in an over the top manner and is

considered a formal and serious colour, supporting the artist’s

brand.

Record labels

The record label to which the are signed to is Island

Records who are known for signing rock acts, and

various others. The label is a well known company, so

it doesn’t need to be obvious. The circle with the palm

tree cut-out is a recognisable logo and connotes the

roots of the company (somewhere tropical).

The other logo is that bands own logo which

compared to the former isn’t as recognisable to

everyone. The “Gentleman Of The Road” label’s logo

is hat of a man with a top hat and with a moustache,

and is just a simple black illustration.

By including this logo it shows that some of their more

dedicated fans will know that they should check the

website for updates and so on.

Release date and band’s official website

The font used for this text is again elegant although sans-serif. The thin lettering

with the bold stems creates this elegant style which again supports their

representations as being classy.

Props

There are nautical flags that spell out different things and

the four in this photo spell out “tour” these small things

are for their much more dedicated, active fans who look

into the media text and decode it as well. This is again

another icon that they have used throughout the medias

that they have published for this album.

Also by including this encoded message, it’s showing

them as educated and different from the rest of the other

artists, as well as showing them as people who want to

interact with their fans.