Advert Analysis

The image used in this advert is the actual album art from ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’. The image shows the band (Kasabian) sitting in – what looks like – a prop or costume cupboard. The main colour displayed within the picture is black, which could give the band and their album a darker feel. It also includes a deep reddish maroon colour which could be used to represent mystery. The picture itself is arranged so that the audience is able to see the entire band.

There are two fonts used in this advert. The first is used to display the band’s name and is presented in a deep maroon colour, very similar to the colour of some of the clothes used in the photograph. The name is shown in the band’s logo font and is very large and positioned directly underneath the photograph of the band. The second font used is presented in a black and is still bold despite being smaller in size. This font is used to display the name of the band’s album and its release date and it is also positioned directly under the band’s name, creating a sense of organization within the advert which is not present within the photograph.

The text and the font tie in well together because the colours used in the font and the photograph are very similar. Bland colours such as beige are combined with the use of bold, dark colours such as black and maroon to create bland yet intriguing qualities. The dark text and the photograph also stand out greatly against the plain, light background and the colours used give the advert quite a dated feel overall. The font and the photograph are quite informal and artistic, which is something the audience would expect to see. The font used would also be a big draw to the audience because it is the band’s logo, which would create a sense of familiarity (especially when combined with the photograph of the band) to the audience. The name of the album also relates to the promotional image which displays a claustrophobic setting which could easily be interpreted as an asylum.

The clothes worn by the band in the photograph are quite iconic because they are mostly insipid colours and have somewhat of a vintage feel which ties in with ties in with the bands alternative background. The clothing is also a bit thrown together and makes the band appear quite out of place, possibly tying in with the name of the album (‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’). The font used in the band’s name is also iconic as it is their logo, which would be very recognizable amongst fans and people who are familiar with Kasabian. The photograph represents inmates at an asylum dressing up for a party in the asylum, referencing the West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylums that were built in West Yorkshire in the 1880s.

The most significant part of the advert is the title despite the photograph being the predominant feature. The text on the poster allows us to easily define what kind of band Kasabian are as the fonts and backgrounds used are those that are quite common with indie or alternative bands. The colours used also help us to reach this conclusion as they are very toned down – if it was a pop advert it would probably feature bright colours or if it was a heavy metal advert it would present very dark colours, rather than a mix of light and dark.

The advert gives the audience a feel of what the band’s music may be like. The colours, photographs and themes suggest that the music is dark and unique and is not something you would see or hear every day. Despite its blandness, the advert stands out because the band are all dressed in odd clothes – possibly suggesting that they themselves are as unique as their music. The advert proposes that the band is under a non-mainstream label as the album artwork is not as generic as a lot of pop albums.

The advert is most likely aimed at a more niche audience as the images used are very abnormal and would suggest that they are a very exclusive band. The band’s overall look suggests that they are a personification of their music, which is strange and quirky, as the image promotes.