TOW #15 - Fading West

Switchfoot's ninth studio album, released January 2014

Accompanying film, released late 2013

     

The images above are recent works alternative rock band Switchfoot. The artwork effectively communicates main themes of their album and film, both titled Fading West, such as  going back to their roots on the West Coast, expanding and diversifying their music, and the adventures and inspirations of a world tour. From the representative title to the raw photography to the layer of editing, the covers are truly works of art.

     Switchfoot has been a relatively well-known band since the early 2000s and have built up quite a fanbase over the years. One motive for creating the film was to reveal a deeper layer of their lives as musicians, surfers, Christians, and simply people. For the album, they wanted to keep pushing their sound outside of the box, drawing inspiration from music from around the world, and building "a landscape of sound" as described by one member.

     With respect to the artwork, the raw photograph is very simplistic but meaningful: the five band members stand facing west, among them a camera, a surfboard, and a guitar. One interesting detail is that in the image "west" translates to "left", and moving left is often considered backward (right is forward), reinforcing the idea of going back to their roots. The well-placed props represent different loves of the band, the camera communicating a desire to capture and share their journey, and the surfboard and guitar rather self-explanatory. The backdrop, an untamed beach, adds a spirit of exploration and adventure. These aspects of the artwork parallel the very natural, beachy, alternative vibes found in the album.

     The artwork also represents their hope to diversify and explore cinematic themes, both in the film and in their music. This is shown in the editing of near-psychedelic red and blue lighting and film-grain-like streaks. The cooler tones are reminiscent of the ocean and more serious times in their journey, while the warmer tones read like sun flares, bringing warmth and an adventurous spirit.

     The artwork captures the mood and message of the works inside the packaging so well. Even with the editing, it appears vulnerable and honest, not playing on their styling or fame, but highlighting the band members and their loves, their journey.