Our 5 favourite Album Covers of NOW

Introducing the October post of our 5 favourite album covers of NOW. Just like it says on the tin (and we’re not ones to mess about) we’re discussing our current five best and specially selected album cover artworks. They are all very dynamic, showcase strong skill and are remarkable pieces of art in themselves-some even so that we would hang ‘em on our own walls! As big music fans, it made sense to delve into this genre of graphic design and see how the CD format can do design justice. You may even discover some new music as well!

Firstly GUNS SEX & GLORY for Rococode:

In 4 words: lively, textural, slick, flamboyant.

Great use of various visual textures and contrasting the positive space to plain space. The linear usage within this project is fine and minimal, adding some edginess to the otherwise busy design. It looks very slick as the layering components is cleverly devised and adds maturity to the otherwise energetic composition. We really like their simple plain white typography overlay on the background pattern, with large kerning. This breaks the piece up a bit more, demonstrating control. There’s even a nice T shirt involved possessing the same design character…where can we get it?!

2. Colorcubic Album Art Direction For Nueva Forma Artists:

This was chosen for it’s tasteful attitude towards album artwork. It is so simple yet very effective, compartmentalizing the square CD format. Photography can be so powerful and when it is used correctly, like this example, can evoke emotion and set an aura for the contents. Colorcubic have chosen a geometric-combined-with-serene-scenes-approach, employing Photoshop editing and colour effects to amalgamate the differing parts of the whole. The sepia, saturation, colour tone and glow-play bring the differing landscape shots together and the complimentary colour palette in each section does a good job of highlighting the bold segments of square space available. We enjoy the warming, yet bewildering vibe this cover evokes

3. Maxine Grove for The Roshambos Ballyhoo EP:

Now this is fairly obvious why we chose this one! As big illustration fans, this one stood out like a sore thumb and is by far the daintiest of the selection. The subtle inoffensive colour palette and faint line qualities make this cover appear somewhat vulnerable. The choice of illustration subject, such as nature, people; children particularly, trinkets and dream-like scenarios, add to the delicacy also. We do appreciate that authentic, hand drawn look that resonates through this piece. Its freehand style and the handling of linear elements dilute any seriousness.  Even the typography appears that way, which is always worth writing home about- those that take time to create their own typography-kudos! Very sweet all round.

4. Dave Konopka for Battles Gloss Drop Album:

A big pile of colourful stuff! To some it may look amazing and to others it may look very unappetizing- either way it captures your attention. This is the best possible outcome one could hope for being a CD cover! Much like book covers have to denote the meaning, it also has to catch your eye and make a statement. This certainly does that. It is a large sculpture covered in glossy paint, keeping consistent with the band’s single ‘Ice Cream,’ which was a pile of ice cream and ‘My Machines,’ which was a pile of rusty refuge and scrap metal. The designer’s aim was to ‘have something that is completely organic that you can’t control.’ (Konopka, creativebloq.com) Are you a lover or a hater?

5. Isabelle Lumpkin for Santigold’s self-titled album:

Santigold’s album is a collage sparkle! We like the art and craft, hand made vibes we’re getting from this cover and we can never ignore a sparkly number! Black and white contrasted with the bright gold glitter works wonders, especially when coupled with angular, makeshift, stencil-esque text in the corner. The focal point is definitely her eyes and the photo has a nice Polaroid aged effect going on! Simple yet bold.