Judging Bands By Their Photos
By Eugene K. Chow, published June 24, 2011

   Photo Credit (from front page)

While our third grade teachers may have scolded us for making snap judgments about people and our parents told us not to judge a book by its cover, judging bands by their photos or how they look is totally legit—at least that’s what I say.

A band’s photo speaks volumes about what inspires them, what they sound like, and above all what makes them tick. Everyone has seen the generic look away from the camera while standing in random scattered positions and looking apathetic photo, but it’s the bands that go beyond that and present a unique image that are often the most interesting.

While it’s true that their photos are not necessarily an indication of their talent or their sound, it is certainly a nice indication of their aesthetics or at the very least something fun to look at while you listen to their music. So with that in mind, have a look at some fantastic bands with their amazing photos.

Dirty Beaches

The photo just screams dark and moody, which is exactly the type of music Alex Zhang Hungtai aka Dirty Beaches makes. Drawing on the moody lovesick atmospherics and 1960s aesthetics of a Wong Kar Wai film, Dirty Beaches makes deliciously dreamy songs drenched in the fuzzy glory of another time.

Dirty Beaches - Lord Knows Best by thesubs-blog

 

Living Days

Rumpled clothes, disco sparkle shoes, and fishnets at the Laundromat seem like the aftermath of night filled with all sorts of shenanigans. For the perfect soundtrack to such an evening, look no further than Living Days with their New Wave synth-pop dance floor ragers.

Let's Kiss by STEELSYNCH

 

Keep Shelly in Athens

The obscure shadowy figures on the beach gazing off in a dream like haze are the perfect analogue to the mysterious duo that goes by the name of Keep Shelly in Athens. The duo has remained shrouded in mystery, but what is clear is their blissed out electronic grooves backed by darkly sensuous beats.

Keep Shelly in Athens - Hauntin' Me by Keep Shelly in Athens

 

Who Knew

These six Icelandic lads know how to have a good time and it’s immediately evident in their music and their photos. Despite being born in a “heatless basement in Reykjavik,” Who Knew seeks to “mediate happiness” rather than capture the “chilling vastness and serenity of their homeland.” With a deluge of catchy guitar riffs, an alluring falsetto, and stand out drum lines, these Icelandic rockers will leave an ever widening grin on your face.

Who Knew -We do by ragnarock

 

The Delta Riggs

Despite the medieval Lord of the Rings enchanted forest feel of the image, The Delta Riggs are full of spitfire, snake oil, and bluesy southern gospel rock. The lead singer shouts and wails like it were a prairie revival, so get ready to praise the lord and shout “Amen!”

Soul Train by thedeltariggs

 

Young Galaxy

Enchantingly beautiful, darkly suicidal yet strangely beautiful, the photo, like Young Galaxy, will slowly draw you into their world. Tugging at your legs you will gradually be pulled below the surface and immersed in the band’s quietly uplifting lyrics and driving beats.

Young Galaxy - We Have Everything by Hypetrak

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