Research - Alt-J - Matilda Digipak Analysis

Front (Bottom Right)

 

The front of this digipak has a design that also features a symbol synonymous to the band, similar to that of the Arctic Monkeys' 'AM'. This also creates another digipak design to draw influence from as I also intend to design my digipak in a similar fashion, as seen in a previous mock cover blog post. The cover features the triangle shape, a symbol that is often used by the band in their promotional material, song references and even the band name itself. These links thus creates a symbol in which the audience can associate the band with; evident in the song lyrics of 'Let's Tesselate', 'Triangles are my favorite shape, Three points where two lines meet.'. Also demonstrated in their name, 'Alt-J', which is a key sequence on Mac keyboards to make the triangle symbol. Furthermore, the cover design features a very minimalistic style to allow the audience to acknowledge the symbolization of the triangle and its relation to the band. Also, it's conceptual nature could relate to the experimental, conceptual nature of the music itself. The use of black against the orange space allows for a striking color on the front of the cover and further creates an additional symbolism of space.

 

Back (Bottom Middle)

 

The reverse side of the digipak continues the theme of space in the background and shows, in bold, block text, the name of the EP and the track list. The theme and symbolism of the triangle image is used again in the typography, further pushing the branding of the band. Therefore, leaving the symbol in the minds of the audience so that they continue to associate the band with the shape. Additionally, very few colors are used on the back cover, and the digipak as a whole; further implying the conceptual, minimalistic nature of the design for the digipak.

 

Inside

 

The inside artwork for this digipak features the first use of the band's name, thus suggesting that they are confident enough about their band's branding to rely on the symbolism of the triangle. However, considering this is an single EP to promote the band's debut LP, 'An Awesome Wave', the symbolism could've been used to establish the band's brand, rather then maintain and enforce it. Like the other parts of the digipak, this cover continues the theme of minimalism. Another inside cover shows the lyrics to the title track of the EP; the typography used here is contrast of white against the black background, thus drawing attention to it. These lyrics suggest the band holding their lyrics as an important, meaningful part of their music. The remaining two sides of the digipak simply feature images of space, continuing this theme; the lack of any band picture or lyrics, as these are commonly found inside digipaks, implies the focus on minimalism.