The contents page is very neatly structured, the main contents details are placed down the right hand side in a tidy column and this is a good thing because it is the first thing you see when you turn the page. If your in a rush you can find what you want quickly because the article headings are numbered which creates easy access. The contents page is grouped into different categories which make it very well thought-out. Despite this, some of the numbered article titles are dotted around the centre of the page with large images to draw attention to them, which is quite confusing if your trying to find something specific, but then again you can just look at the pictures to find exactly what you are looking for. There is no dominant image of the band featured on the front cover, which is unusual as pop magazines such as Top of the Pops features the main musician on both prints. The different sections consist of the editor’s letter in the top left hand corner, a quote from the lead singer of a famous band sitting under the contents title, the contents itself and the subscription in the bottom right corner. The tone of the editor’s letter is informal, like he is talking to the reader as a friend, this draws them in because it seems like he is talking to them personally. The editor (Paul) signs the letter himself, he personalises it, which also makes him seem friendlier and an open person. In a way, this text stands out as it is the only text on the page which isn’t done in a large font, in caps lock or in bold, so in contrast to everything else, it stands out and is small because the audience want to focus on it more and it makes it seem like there isn’t much text to read so they are more likely to read it.
Lots of images of musicians are used to break up the text. There are two large pictures and four small ones which filter the text. One large image has been placed on the left along side with two smaller ones underneath it and on the right there are two smaller images at the top and one larger image beneath it, which creates a contrast. Some pictures are of musicians performing and they are not directly addressing the reader and these are the darker images which creates a more shady and threatening atmosphere and is more daring as other artists which aren’t seen as “popular” wouldn’t not look at the audience as they would not be known well enough. Additionally, the lighter images of the artists’ whom aren’t performing seem to be directly addressing the reader by using eye contact. The core audience like the fact that the music is live and realistic which has been captured in most of the images and not manufactured unlike some of the brighter images which look staged. For example, there is picture of the lead singer form the band, The Used, performing live on stage. Although he doesn’t look very appealing as he is sweating and hasn’t been touched up, the viewers like this because it is a realistic representation of the genre and the image captures what the artist actually has to go through. This shows that the reader cares about the music and not the appearance of the artist. The lighter and more comical images adds colour to the page and grabs the eye of the viewer and takes away some of the seriousness of the darker images to try and create a more upbeat and happy atmosphere. Bordering the images are thin grey shadows which make the images appear to be framed which adds importance to them as usually significant photos and images are framed.
The typography of the written text down the contents column is done in capitals and the headings of each section in bold which makes it clear and stands out in contrast to the images. This way, the reader can identify quickly what specific section they are looking for as the layout is large and easy to follow. The text is straight to the point as there is no extra/ unnecessary wording, just a small word/phrase so the reader knows exactly what is there and what they are looking at/for, which consequently saves time. The semi titles of each section (the headings) are printed in yellow and black, as well as the numbering as this helps it stand out against the white background. Kerrang have used a consistent font throughout their contents page which makes it look less tacky and more sophisticated. The page is busy but not messy as nothing is overlapping but there is a great deal of content which proves that the customer is getting value for money.
Black is a key colour, it is used on the front cover and symbolizes a typical rock cover. Yellow is used alongside the black which is a bright contrast, it helps us see the headings and semi titles more clearly as the yellow stands out against the black.
I like the fact that the reader can skim through the contents and find what they intended to/ anything that might catch their eye with ease as there is no unnecessary wording to bulk up the text, which will make the reader loose focus. Besides this, I feel that the structure is a bit too organized. I think that this layout and style doesn’t fit in with the rock genre, but as it is an established magazine it had to build a format, which is simplistic yet effective as the magazine just focus’s on the music, which is a good set up.
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