I’ve just finished artwork for Sheffield based band Captives on the Carousel, aka Sarah Morrey and Ben Eckersley. They play folk originals on cello and guitar, telling stories of enchantment and dark goings on. After going to several of their gigs, including sets at The Green Room and Peace in The Park, I was approached to come up with some artwork for their E.P. It was great getting to know them both better, and digging deeper into Sarah’s lyrics.

We agreed that we wanted to retain a hand-made and organic feel to the artwork, to compliment their folky nature. Story telling is an important part of their music, so I thought it would be appropriate to have some kind of narrative told visually on the sleeve

Their lyrics paint really vivid pictures, and often depict something fragile and beautiful, while the cello brings a somewhat haunting, darker edge.

The songs on the album, include: The Oak Tree, Lead Me Down, The Bell Jar, Russian Doll and James Song. I thought it would have been a bit obvious to depict an oak tree, or russian doll, so decided to go with something all encompassing to give an over all feel to the album. The cello shaped bird cage represents being held captive, although the door to the cage is open and the guitar inside (russian doll inspired) has released a bird from within the sound hole.

When you open the sleeve, you see an open lock and key, suggesting that the bird has not escaped, but infact been released…or stolen.

When you turn to the reverse of the sleeve, several feathers are lined up in a row. This suggests that whoever released or stole the song bird has either collected it’s feathers as items of intrigue and lined them up to admire them, or they have done something more sinister – plucked the feathers from the bird.

The final artwork was screen printed on beautiful earthy sleeves, 100% recycled post consumer waste, by Stew Print Rooms in Norwich.

The albums are limited edition, with only 200 available to purchase at gigs, or at various independent shops in Sheffield, so get yours while they’re fresh off the press.

175 are available in black and white, while a super Ltd edition of 25 are available in a coloured version with extra surprises inside!

For more info on Captives on the Carousel, including upcoming gig dates, please visit their Myspace or
bandcamp page. Read Less