JP - Print Advert Semiotic Analysis

1. The signifiers in this advert are the font that the band name is written , the colour album name, the blue wash, and the city skyline with brightly lit Chinese symbols. These can all be interpreted in a way to support a certain band image. 'The Killers' is written in a font reminiscent of Las Vegas lights, and Las Vegas is renowned for gambling, shopping and fine dining, and bills itself as the entertainment capital of the world. By linking the album to this they give the impression of the album being exciting and creates a relevant band image. The blue wash seems to tone down the brightness of the advert and make it more understated, giving it a lo-fi tone, which sets it apart from pop adverts which are stereotypically very bright and stand out. The brightly lit Chinese symbols mounted upon the building tops contrast the colour scheme in the advert, giving it a more vibrant feel. As well as this Chinese symbols are seen as being stylish, giving them a fashionable band image.
   
   
2. The juxtaposition of these signs means that the band image is constructed as urban but not global. It gives off the impression of 'The Killers' being a serious band as the artwork is understated and the quote from a review is from a respected media source and not a tabloid.
   
   
3. This advert is challenging popular culture by not having a band shot, and having a blue wash, toning it down rather than a brighter poster that will stand out more to the consumer. By challenging this social myth that advert have to be bright and include a band shot, they are separating themselves from the mainstream bands, creating an originality about them.
   
   
4. Indexical signs give meaning to the reader and say something about the person consuming the advert. The Killers are an alternative rock band who have broken into the mainstream through their music, however they are not considered to be a pop band, like most mainstream bands. They are seen as a 'cool' band to like and are popular among all ages, this is because they have gotten where they are through good music and not marketing themselves to fit in to the popular culture. This is supported in this advert through its simple layout and could be considered postmodern.