Flyleaf - Flyleaf & EP
This is a five member band that started with their debut album back in 2005. Much lead up to that moment with shows and tours here and there. Their site is pretty informative: http://site.flyleafmusic.com/bio/default.aspx.
http://www.amazon.com/Flyleaf/dp/B0009I7NYY/ref=pd_sim_m_img_1
This album consists of their original demo collection of only six tracks, but with some minor variations from their debut. The album is titled Flyleaf EP for enhanced. The cover art portrays that idea. You have a tree and then you have the added graphics (maybe vector based) enhancing the tree, expanding its' reaches. You do have the band on the cover. Since it was their first produced album (demo) it was more or less introducing them to their yet to be fans. Although their emblem is masked in black they do still have that light from the sun bursting through the cracks of the tree.
http://www.amazon.com/Flyleaf/dp/B000GQMKCO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=music&q...
This is the album debut cover. The attitude behind the music fuels redemption from neglect and abuse, and streams to a Christian message of hope can prevail. The negative aspects that the lead singer, Lacey, has sustained in the past seem to be portrayed through the rip and tension near the top of the cover and the rough background at the right. The overshadow around the top and bottom edges bears the creeping of the past. The guy is being lifted as one would be lifted through hope and away from despair. Being lifted by taut strings and birds ascending upwards away from the life below. The grass or wheat field at the bottom may resemble the flimsiness of life either being swayed one way then another direction, a connection to uncertainty. I'm not sure if this was purposeful, but the shading or shadow on the guy looks to be related to the light "given off" from the Flyleaf emblem with that flame graphic. Kind of interesting.
At first glance I had to look very very closely at the album cover to see the band on the design. If this was supposed to introduce them to their audience, why would they hide themselves like that? I think that maybe they were trying to get the image (as you stated above) across to their audience to describe what they represent and the personality of the band and the music, rather than just say "this is what we look like" with a normal band photo.
Submitted by physicschic on Sun, 02/17/2008 - 00:18.You know, I didn't really think about how small they were on the album. I guess it isn't that great of an introduction. I mean if you recall the two albums by ASH, those you could definitely tell who they were.
Submitted by colgrunt on Sun, 02/17/2008 - 01:00.This is one of my favorite band groups and I am a big fan of their album cover. As you said, their music talks about overcoming neglect and abuse. I feel that this was an inspiration in their name “Flyleaf”, as they are the leaf being blown in the air away from all their problems. In the cover we see a similarity, as the birds are carrying the individual away, as if they are carrying it away from all his problems of abuse. Also, this band group is known to have a similar tie with Christian music with the themes of their songs. Also, I’m not sure but the birds on the cover look like doves to me, which is a Christian symbol for God.
Submitted by aculp on Sun, 02/17/2008 - 23:19.I didn't look that close to realize that those do look like doves, and the symbolism is duly noted. Good catch and they have become one of my favorites to listen to as well!
Submitted by colgrunt on Mon, 02/18/2008 - 00:40.As opposed to showing the band on the the debut album cover, the image is shown on the back cover. This introduces the band to those who have maybe just became familiar with the band. It is also a larger and clearer image of the band, compared to the EP.
Submitted by XxscxX on Mon, 02/18/2008 - 09:58.On the front cover, you discuss what the image means and how it presents the message that hope can prevail. Also mentioned is how certain elements reflect Lacey's past.This reflection also appears in the band photo on the back cover. Lacey's eyes have somewhat of a sadness and meaning to them that one would expect to find out about in the lyrics of the album.
That's interesting that you brought in the back cover. I saw that portion before and didn't think much of it. However, you brought it to light with the reflection element applied. I guess I'm glad it was mentioned, the back of cover albums might need more props, lol.
Submitted by colgrunt on Mon, 02/18/2008 - 12:40.