Research - The Kooks - Inside In/Inside Out Digipak analysis

Front (Top Left)

The cover for this digipak features a picture of the band; a common theme in rock/indie genre. The cover also expresses a sense of authenticity given the fact that they are gathered round writing/practicing their songs; additionally the band members appear to give the impression they are caught off-guard with the photo, suggesting they are so engrossed in their music writing. Further asserting the band as an independent group that are focused and up-and-coming in the industry. This therefore allows the audience to create a relationship with the image of the band. The band playing their instruments on the cover perhaps relates to their renowned reliance on live performances rather than studio performance; as the band performed many live shows to get a grasp of their sound and quality before making this record. Additionally, the digipak features the use of red, black and grey; which again can be interpreted as commonly used conventions of the rock genre with The White Stripes' discography, AC/DC and Green Day's 'American Idiot'. Furthermore, these color create a very striking theme to the digipak and will thus interest the audience; the color of the typography against the white background suggests a sense of striking simplicity. The use of striking, monochrome colors on this digipak has influenced me in the sense that I intend to use few colors on my digipak cover to create the sense of minimalism and conceptual design.

Back (Top Right)

The back of the cover features the continued use of the contrasting colors, similar to that of Alt-J and Arctic Monkeys, enabling a sense of stylistic continuity. Furthermore, the track listing his placed in small text in the top corner; this is not a common theme of rock/indie digipaks, or any digipak for that matter, as they are usually the centerpiece of attention on the reverse side. Additionally, the digipak features a very similar image to the front, further suggesting the band's focus on their music. Furthermore, the POV of the image allows the audience to gain a personal insight and connection to the band and their music.

Inside

The CD itself features the three primary colors used on the album cover; however the stark monochrome contrast of the 'The Kooks' and 'Inside In/Inside Out' could perhaps link to the contrasting name of the album itself. Additionally, the first 'O' in 'The Kooks' is actually the hole in the middle of the CD. The inner cover shows a thank you message from the band for purchasing the album, atop a band picture. This suggests the hard work that has been put into the album and the genuine thanks the band has for the support; the fact that it is placed on top of a band picture, in which they look at the camera, suggests a more personal tone to the message. In terms of inspiration from this Digipak, I would highlight the simplicity of the CD within the case; particularly the clever use of the CD hole, as I could see myself using this idea on my CD for the 'O' in 'The Stone Roses'.