‘I was a grub
Burrowing in the wood
For three years
This coffin is delicious
Now I’ve had my rebirth
A calling from a mate
From the loins I don’t have
Arrested in my quest
By a scene most bizarre’

‘Alfie, Cuthbert and Me’
Durham, Come Save Me
Faithful Johannes @fjwords
Out 3rd July

This month, in the lead up to the ‘Durham, Come Save Me’ album launch, I’ll be sharing some of the ideas and sketches that led to the final design of the album artwork.

Most of these are me just getting ideas out of my head and onto the page, so expect extremely loose, quick drawings that haven’t been polished very much, if at all.

Today’s sketch is inspired by the song ‘Alfie, Cuthbert and Me’

This is another cover that I think could’ve really worked if the project didn’t take me in a different direction.

Apart from it failing one of the tests of logo design: ‘does it look like a penis?’ I would’ve loved to have developed this idea further but the album is full of such rich imagery that I can’t really complain. I mean I keep getting new ideas for album covers with every play through of the album. I can’t wait til you all to get to hear it!!

I think this is the only sketch from this song that I am featuring. That’s not a reflection on the song at all as it’s one of (many of) my favourites. No spoilers but… it’s a tale about a woodworm eating St Cuthberts coffin, observing the delusion of Alfie who is looking after and talking to the corpse of Cuthbert.

Pre-orders for the CD with a lyric sheet/ download available now at: https://faithfuljohannes.bandcamp.com/album/durham-come-save-me