Magazine Analysis - Double Page Spreads

Kerrang:

The double page spread is very image dominated and all of the images are in black and white automatically creating a sense of mystery. The first page is completely dominated by two images which are striking and eye catching for the reader.

The language that is used on this page is also intriguing to the reader as it states "World Exclusive!" With a bright red background making it stand out from the rest of the black dominated background clearly showing it’s an important statement. The poses are all natural that have been taken during a recording showing the band raw, and that’s how they want to be portrayed making the audience see the more natural side to the band and the process they go through making their up and coming record. It also gives a teaser list of tracks down the right giving the consumer a feel for the songs before they consider buying the album which is a clever feature.

 The typical colour scheme is being used again but predominantly black relating to the genre of the music suggesting darkness. The white tracks list jumps of the page and they clearly designed this to make this a prominent feature so the reader will be drawn to it. The title is a very strong statement to make you want to read the article this is stating they are trying to be the best they have ever been making fans more eager to purchase this album, the use of language is good publicity for the band and selecting choice statements that will draw attention to it. The title is also on a slight giving the article some edge and giving a feel that the band is edgy to. The smaller pictures fit well on the page showing the rest of the band but it’s obvious who the front man is as they have included him in all of the pictures and made his pictures the whole page image.



Q:

This double page spread is different to others it is mainly text dominated which stretches across both pages. The main image takes up only half of the page with an even smaller image on the next. This amount of text could put some people off from reading an article. This could be giving the impression that the images might not be as important as the text and they are trying to appear more to a well-read demographic and an audience with more sophistication as it is all very clean cut and simple.

The introduction of blue is new to Q as the other colour scheme has been predominantly red and white with hints of gold and black. The blue is subtle but brings a fresh take to the magazine without it losing its trademark styles; it hasn’t lost its ability to relate to the rest of its pages. It includes a similar layout and language and also includes the red Q sign at the bottom.

The image although not dominating the article is still eye catching as a dramatic scene has been created, and the photographer has really considered the mise en scene by having a simple black background and the relaxed walking pose with an added edge with the element of water and this is what they could have been trying to portray what the band is like by these elements; relaxed, simple, and edgy. The white background with the image works well and compliments the article.

Mojo:

The Mojo double page spread is very crisp and clean. It is all laid out very organised and precise and using a black and white image makes it even more sophisticated. They’ve added elements of colour in the title but this is the only thing that stands out but this happened to be his name. Along with the image these are the only two factors that stand out from the pages.

The design they have incorporated at the top of the page is unique to the magazine and hasn’t been used on either the front page or the contents page description. They have used a subtle blue to perhaps set the mood of the interview and that is the tone it is going to take. His pose is strong and natural he is looking straight into the camera but not in an intimidating manor but in a soft subtle way making the spread seem more neutral and relaxed. The O on the page really grabs your attention to the article and this makes you more inclined to read it once it had grabbed your attention some form.

The font of the headlines alternate throughout the statement and makes it have a slight quirkiness to this subtle plain layout. They have incorporated the mojo logo at the bottom of the page which seems like a popular feature in magazines and that it is an essential. The striking title is a great contrast with the subtly of the image and the white clean background almost suggesting a fresh start and a clean start from this article. All of these features almost foreshadow what the article is going to be about even before you read it which makes the article interesting even before you read it, meaning they don’t need brighter colours for this article as it’s clean and simple.



NME:

This double page spread includes a dominant colour which is contrasting from the normal colour scheme of the magazine. The magazine NME often had the majority of its magazine in red and white. This article could be suggesting the blue is new for this new up and coming band.

 The pose is relaxed and direct at the camera but not serious giving off the impression from the mise en scene and the setting of the photograph that it is just in a bedroom with mess all around representing the stereotype off teenagers which is the name of the band. The statement NME Loves in the middle is almost a recommendation to the public getting them read up on this band as they could be the next big thing. The title dominates a lot of the top third and the blue is a really good colour with the black and white.

 There is a section at the side that talks about other bands which loses the focus from the double page spread which isn’t a good factor. The statement in the middle of the text really stands out on the page and breaks up the text well and has been fitted around it which is a nice edgy little feature. The smaller image in the text is a live image showing the band in action showing that they are touring possibly. The outline on the smaller image and the way it has been angled really adds a subtle edge to the piece making it more unique and adding a bit of style, this is typical to the magazine. The whole layout of the piece has been very well thought out and everything fits perfectly, the addition of the blue colour really makes the magazine flow and there is always something new relating also to this article and this new band.

Rolling Stone:

This double page spread is very simple. It doesn’t have much depth or many elements to it but maybe this is what they were trying to achieve. The colour scheme is still consistent using black white and red.

 The white background works well for the simple setting and pose of the photo. The text has also been fitted well around the image making the entire article flow well. The T at the start of the sentence automatically draws the reader in to read which is a clever feature in this article. The font is quite formal but not very interesting this spread lacks a spark or an edge but this may be the theme intended simple, clean cut and to the point. The artists aren’t particularly posed or in costume adding to the simple vibe of the article.

Overall it is straight to the point and uses simple ways to gain the audience’s attention such as using red against the white background for a title and using a large image that spreads across the page grabbing the attention of the reader. It could include more elements possibly another picture of a live performance but it works well with all the elements it has. This article shows that this magazine can portray a well written article that only needs to include a few elements and can be successful.