One of Australia’s greatest exports, along with Rolf Harris, are fighting hard. They have seemingly been overshadowed by newer bands. Let’s be honest, the music scene has never been this crowded. However in the darkness that is over-marketed rubbish that has been dumped in the UK charts, JET come up with a instant rock pleasing anthemic album. Shaka Rock is pure hard riffed contemporary rock. I can imagine most of the tracks being a soundtrack to a hip Hollywood film!

However, I’m not here to discuss the contents, as a Gig photographer I’m just going to discuss the cove. Take a look at it… a van… with shaka rock written on it… on fire… it doesn’t get more rock and roll than that!! What I like to imagine is the photographer who took this must have taken quite a few shots! However I have to say I would not put it down as a classic album cover. Here’s why:

Originality: 4/10
A van on fire may be original on an album cover [I'm not entirely sure, you tell me] but I’ve seen vehicles on fire in my town, on television, movies and one memorable personal incident back in 1997! This is not unique and quite frankly lazy. I personally like the back cover better than the front!

Composition: 3/10
Yes, I have rated it very low. Let’s say you are the creative director of this project and the band said, “Hey! Let’s have a burning van as our cover!”, that would sound cool right? So then why pick this lame straight shot the van?I could have taken this photo with my iPhone! There is nothing special about the angle, the lighting or the choice of lens. YES, I do know that albums are designed and decided by committee, but at least fight for it! I’m not sure if this was even taken with a SLR. It could have bene taken by a bystander for all we know. I only gave it three because I liked the fact they left the black smoke in the shot.

Layout 4/10
I feel robbed that this awesome album is ruined by a sub standard cover. However, there is a saving grace and that’s the back! The back cover looks like a random candid shot during the photoshoot. The retro car with the lads just being neutral; they’re not really doing anything but that is the new ‘trend’, to seem not to care about what you are about. A tip to all unsigned bands out there looking for a “look”, don’t try! Just be natural and wear whatever you want! A great “look” is about the way you act and the environment.

You know that old saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover”? This is precisely that scenario. The cover is shockingly average at best, but the music (which is what it’s all about ) is brilliant.

Buy the album, ignore the cover