The colour scheme of this front cover is black, red and white, like Kerrang!, however this time, a blue accent is used. Blue is a masculine colour and contrasts to the red. This added colour creates more of an indie-feel, slightly less bold and harsh than the previous front cover.
The magazine has the same general layout as Kerrang!. White and red is predominantly used for the text which is also bold and in capitals.
The selling line at the top is very large to attract the attention of the reader. The blue circle shape next to this contains the text, "1 of 2 NEW BAND Covers". The magazine has released two magazines, each with a different band on the front cover. This is to maximise interest and sales.
Under the selling line and towards the left of the page is the Mast head in white, block capitals. The same font is used consistently on the cover for simplicity.
On the right hand side of the mast head is a text box, unfilled, with a small picture in it. Also in this box, is the cover line "CAPTAIN BEEFHEART ROCK'S MAD GENIUS REMEMBERED". The name 'Captain Beefheart' is larger than the rest of the cover line to draw attention, and also to link to the image. Under this, the rest of the cover line is blue.
The band "The Vaccines" are the main image on this cover. The image lacks saturation to create a slightly morbid, depressing feel - again to accompany the rock type genre. They are dressed in brownish or black clothing which is neutral, and therefore, does not contrast any of the colours used for the rest of the cover. The four men all have serious looks on their faces, as did the subject on the front of Kerrang!. The lead singer is placed forwards and in the centre of the image, in front of the other three band members. This is to add a focus point, as the eye is immediately drawn to the lead man in the band (maybe he is the most famous or well known). He also seems to be clutching onto his guitar, symbolising that music is his comfort zone and what he loves; the band mates are placed behind him to show unison.
The front cover is well balanced with cover lines on either side of the image. On the left, the cover line is a list of the 'NEW STARS OF 2011'. The text is slanted and mostly white, with alternating colours for the text box. On the right is a plain white cover line so as not to over power the one on the left.
Placed in the centre of the page, under the main part of the main image, is the main cover line. This consists of a quote, written in white text, "WE WANT INDIE BACK IN THE CHARTS", and this is followed underneath by the name of the band and the text "THE RETURN OF THE GREAT BRITISH GUITAR BAND". This links to the main image in the fact that the band are holding onto the guitars as though they are their prize possessions. The word 'THE' is at a slight slant so that the cover is more interesting, and "VACCINES" underneath this is very large and red. The text is slightly larger than the selling line text, but smaller than the mast head. This shows importance.
On the bottom left hand side is the bar code.
