Paramore - Riot

DIGIPAK ANALYSIS

• Paramore are an American rock band formed in 2004, from Franklin, Tennessee.

• The cover for their cd ‘Riot!’ released in 2008, features the band surrounded by the word ‘Riot’. A riot is defined as a violent disturbance of peace by a crowd, and the layout of the word emphasises this. This is further shown by the band being in the middle of the writing, suggesting that they are creating chaos. The title of the cd is clear due to it being in a large brightly coloured font above the image of the band.

• The font itself also emphasises the idea of a riot, due to it looking as though it was hand written, which is in a similar style to graffiti, adding to the idea of chaos and a rebellious attitude. The use of a high angle shot emphasises this, as we are the looking down on them. This suggests that society might look down on them being rebellious but they don’t care. This is shown through the way that they lead singer is smiling at the camera, and the body language that is shown through the image.

• Also merged in with the text is information about the band and the cd. On the top right of the cover, the text states the names of the band members. The use of the same font for both the information and the cd title is effective as it fits in with the rest of the cover as well as further emphasising that the band are going to cause a riot.

• Also on the front of the cd, information about the photography, record company and links to websites such as their website and MySpace is given. This information is highlighted by the use of subheadings in an orange coloured text, which draws the readers eye to this information. This isn’t a conventional feature of a digipak, as from my research information like this is usually displayed on the back of the digipak.

• Throughout the cd cover, a clear colour theme of black, white and orange is used, and this is effective as it shows continuity throughout the digipak. In addition, the use of the colour orange is effective as it stands out from the black and white, which draws the attention of the audience.

• The cd shows continuity through the use of a similar background image that is used on the front of the digipak. The cd itself again shows the word ‘Riot!’ written repeatedly.

• The use of the colour orange for the largest font is effective as it sticks out, both reminding the audience of the cd’s name, as well as showing continuity by using the same colour scheme as on the front of the cd.

• The back of the digipak again shows further repetition of the word ‘Riot!’ across the image. This further shows continuity.

• The image of the band is similar to the image used of the front of the digipak, because of the use of the same clothes, and it being in black and white. Due to the image being black and white, there is a clear contrast between the clothes and hair of the artists, and their skin. This contrast makes their eyes appear dark, which further supports the idea of riots and rebellion, and also fits in with the conventions of their genre.

• The same colour scheme is used, again with the important text, such as the track listing and website links being in orange.

• The barcode is positioned on the top right hand corner of the back cover of the cd. The text wraps around both the barcode and the image of the band, and this is effective as it means that there is no blank space, further supporting the image of chaos.