CD cover analysis 1: All Time Low's 'Dont Panic'

The name of the band of this album cover is All time low- who are, like Pierce the Veil, an American punk rock band. The name 'All time low' is depressing, as it means that people at their lowest point in their life. Therefore one can ask if they are targeting more than just the Emo target audience, are they also targeting depressing people?

The sans serif font stands out because they are clearer, thicker and boulder. The font design is concave which also helps draw ones attention to the skull and crossbones. The font also fits in with the cartoon, and looks like its hand drawn. 

The cartoon is the dominant image on the front cover which expresses the youthful nature of the band, as they are targeting emo teens.

The skull and crossbones is part of their logo; as it is used in their other CD's when their name is written and is on the drums when they perform.

The cartoon and the skull and crossbones connotes a dystopian theme where all hell is breaking loose. This is presented through the UFO, the fire, the aliens etc. The name of the album is 'Don't Panic', and is fitted in with the cartoon as the riot police are telling their citizens 'don’t panic'. There is a reference to the 'keep calm and carry on' signs. 

The album cover is full of dark colours, dark green and dark blue are the main colours on the album cover. This fits into the genre of organic artists and no bright stand out colours.

There is no physical appearance of the star. All time low have only physically  featured in one of their album releases- where other one is also character based.  

  On July 3, 2012, All Time Low revealed that they had signed back to Hopeless Records and that the new album would be released in October 2012. Hopeless Records is a independent record label and their artists are usually punk rock, post hardcore or alternative rock. 

The genre of pop punk in the All time low album is clearly signified in the band due to the aliens and skull and crossbones. Their target audience is typically emo teens and their attitudes and values associated with this genre is depressing, dark and is a type of subculture; showing they differ from the mainstream society. 

The cover is appealing to this audience as it is different from the norm, as a cartoon on an album cover is not the 'norm'. It has dark colours and the skull and crossbones is eye catching to this audience.