The document provides an analysis of the music video for the song "Homesick" by the indie rock band Catfish and the Bottlemen. It discusses several characteristics of the music video that demonstrate genres, including the band's clothing, hairstyles, and choice of instruments that are typical of indie rock. It also analyzes relationships between the music, lyrics, and visual elements of the video in terms of illustrating, amplifying, or contradicting different aspects. Intertextual references are made to other films featuring indie rock bands.

1. Music Video Analysis
Andrew Goodwin Theory

2. “Homesick”
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Homesick is the opening song to the
album ‘The Balcony’ which reached
number 10 in the UK Album Charts,
released in 2014 by the indie rock
band, Catfish and the Bottlemen.
“Catfish” have previously released 4
albums, two of which being studio
albums, and recently published their
fifth album titled ‘The Ride’.
All of their album covers follow the
same design as they are black and
white cartoon pictures, featuring an
unusual and different nature, which
follows conventions of a indie rock
genre as the band stay within the
restrictions of the indie design.
The and are able to show diversity
and independence by their choice of
instruments, clothing and musical
talent.

3. “Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics. (e.g. stage
performance in meta lvideos, dance routine for boy/girl band,
aspiration in Hip Hop)”
Through the way that the
artists dress and behave
indicate characteristics of
the indie genre. For
example the outfits and
clothing that the band
choose to wear would be
categorized as indie as
they present individuality
and a slight contrast. The
band seem to wear shorts
and bomber jackets in
several shots during the
video, showing a disparity
to other genre bands such
as pop as they choose to
dress more similarly. It is
easy to identify that the
band dresses
homogeneous to the genre
of their music.
Their hairstyles are
again all very
independent as none
of them look the same
and don’t have very
popular or highly rated
hair cuts. However, the
audience are aware
that they fit into the
indie genre because of
how diverse each
member looks.
The way that the band
act throughout the
video is also
comparable to the
genre of music. Their
actions during the
shots have close
similarity to the indie
genre.
In certain shots the artists can be seen smoking, either
individually or with other band members. This indicates
characteristics of the songs genre as it suggest through the
video that the artists aren’t afraid to be different. Smoking is
very much frowned upon by a lot of people however, during
the video their actions indicate their individuality showing a
contrast between certain genres. For example, if a pop artists
were to smoke in their music video they may be penalized,
although due to the genre of the music it determines the artists
behaviour which changes the audiences perception, shown
greatly through the “Homesick” music video.

4. More characteristics that are
demonstrated in the video, include
the instruments that are played by
the band.
Throughout the
whole of the video
we are aware of
each instrument
being played, as the
amplification of the
video emphasizes
the sound that the
instrument make.
Common instruments used during indie
music performances are bass, electronic
and acoustic guitars; frequently used in the
video to “Homesick”. Other instruments
often used is the drums, which are used in
practically ever song of “Catfish and the
Bottlemen’.
The vocals of the artists also follow the
indie genre by rhythm, melody, harmony
and pitch. However, bands such as The
Smiths, Viola Beach and Oasis, may not
sound similar yet the share similar
characteristics which contribute to the
indie rock genre.

5. “There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals.
The lyrics are represented with images.”
During the video the lyrics aren’t represented with images as
the video is neither illustrative or contradicting. There is no
relationship because the video is set on a stage which shows
the band performing to an audience, indicating that the music
video is amplifying. By using Sven E Carlsson’s theory this
video is one of many performance clips, a song and
instrumental performance in particular.
Further in the video when an instrument is heard to be played for longer, louder and it is more in focus, the camera will
again show the amplification. However, it can be viewed that although the ‘Homesick’ music video is amplifying, the video
also takes the audience on a journey.
To start with the band are setting up and practicing, it isn't until the
chorus that the audience appear in front of them, In the creation of
the video a jump cut is used at 0:47 to add in the band. This
creates the music video to be both contradicting and amplifying.
For example when the bass drops the camera shot at the guitar or the drum when the drummer had an important
sequence to play. During several points in the video such as 0:20 a small beat is heard from the drums and the
camera allows the video to emphasize the sound by capturing one of the band members playing them. During certain
parts of the video when instruments create a loud and prominent sound, the camera will shoot at that instrument to
amplify and heighten the sound.

6. “There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and
atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music. (either
illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).”
There is definitely a clear relationship between
the music and the visuals on screen, in
‘Homesick’.
The atmosphere is clear even without the
music as the shots, put all together, are quick
and up beat, With the music on top it hugely
adds to the ambience of the music video.
Throughout the whole video, only a small
amount of shots seem to be over a few
seconds long, as the video uses lots of small
shots. This technique is used to create a bigger
and more of a thrilling atmosphere by the way
they’re all put together.
Just between 0:47 and 0:50 over 10 shots are
used within a 3 second frame., representing
how the music would stimulate an electric and
exhilarating mood.

7. “The demands of the record label will include the
need for lots of close ups of the artist and the
artist may develop motifs which recur across their
work (a visual style).”
Due to Catfish and the Bottlemen being a band,
the camera focus’s on all of the members rather
than just one. Each member is equally focused
upon through a variety of shots; two shots, long
shots, mid shots. However, close ups are close
ups are rarely used in the ‘Homesick’ video. Mid
shots are proven to be the most popular in parts of
the video; where the artists are in the dressing
room or somewhere else which is off stage. The
mid shots are the closest that the camera gets to
the artists, leaving an ambiguous feeling about
them, as the audience watching the video cant get
close enough to the band; possibly representing
the crowd in the visuals.
As the band fall under the genre of indie music,
the diversity of the group is also presented
through the use of shots.. The mid shots used
later in the video. Between 1:50 and 1:53, give
small insights into their personalities through
their clothing and their behaviour , however no
close ups are done to achieve this.
The band don’t seem to follow any particular
motifs throughout the video, besides the way that
none of them look into the camera lens. The
whole way through, the band are presented to be
having a good time as the audience are exposed
to their natural behaviour due to the music video
being one of the bands performances.

8. “There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens
within screens, mirrors, stages, etc) and particularly
voyeuristic treatment of the female body”
In the ‘Homesick’ video there is a mixture of contradiction and amplification. Some parts of the video are of the
band off stage, being themselves which again gives the audience a small insights into their personalities .
However, on stage is when the amplification is used. None of the artists look into the camera or behave as if
they are aware that it is there. In contrast, this creates a feeling of distance and voyeurism, as were watching
the same thing that the band are. Although, the band are performing which implies they will be looking on at
their audience which contradicts and ignores voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

9. “The artist may develop motifs or
iconography that recur across their work (a
visual style)”
A lot of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s music videos are amplifying which implies that
they’re performing in their video. Not many motifs occur during their video which
again creates a unique look; however it could be argued that, that is a motif in itself.
Due to this, the motif would be that their videos are performance based which
includes the bands playing to a crowd or perhaps rehearsals of some sort.
Throughout the music video to ‘Kathleen’ the band can be seen playing their
instruments on stage and singing. No crowd is seen unlike in the ‘Homesick’ video,
although the motif is still carried on into this one as they choose to create amplifying
videos.

10. “There are often intertextual reference (to films, TV
programmes, other music videos etc)”
The ‘Homesick’ music video has intertextual relations to the 2003
film, School of Rock. During the video there are shorts clips of the
band getting ready to perform and relaxing back stage in the
dressing room. Similarly, the American comedy also allows the
audience to follow their musical journey. Both pieces of media and
are highly music orientated and influenced by both parties musical
talents and although the story lines may contrast, the context shows
great similarities. For example, both medias perform indie rock
music and again both follow the motif of never looking into the
camera lens.
If I Stay, featuring Chloe Grace Mortez, also has a similarity that can
be intertextually related to the ‘Homesick’ video. The character
‘Adam’ is the lead singer and guitarist in the band within the 2014
film, sharing similarities such as similar bands, music styles and
resembling instruments; drums, bass and acoustic guitars, vocal and
occasionally keyboard.

11. “Shake It Out”
Florence and the Machine
Florence and the Machine are
an English Indie rock band,
formed in London back in 2007.
The bands individuality shines,
through the variety of genres
they choose to represent in
their music; indie rock, indie
pop, chamber pop, art rock, neo
soul, art pop and baroque pop.
“Shake It Out” was released as
the groups official single from
their second studio album,
Ceremonials released in 2011.
The groups piece became their
fourth, top 20 single in the UK
Singles Chart.

12. “Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics. (e.g. stage
performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band, aspiration
in Hip Hop)”
The songs genre, indie rock/ pop , is clearly presented
through the music video; indicating an instant relationship
between genre characteristics and the songs video. The
instruments used during the performance consist of organs,
bells and tambourines as the main source of sound,
highlighting musical characteristics that are followed
throughout the video. Were able to hear these instruments
throughout the whole song, with drums introduced in
certain parts of the video and continuously during the
chorus and build up.
Through the atmosphere of the video, it
is clear to identify at which points the
drums would have been introduced
within the musical performance. At the
start of the video before the vocals have
begun, the organs can be heard clearly
and at a low pitch; representing the
mood at the beginning of the narrative.
Similarly, the organs are heard
prominently once again at the end of the
video, when the vocals are finished.
However, this time they are at a high
pitch possibly mirroring the happier and
more upbeat mood that has arose during
the progression of the music video

13. Throughout multiple music videos to Florence and the Machines music, she is presented through side shots.
This could represent an indie approach as several side shots are used rather than front view shots, which are
used heavily in pop videos. For example, during both ‘Cosmic Love’ and ‘Dog Days Are Over’, side shots are
used regularly as a replacement to front shots, just like in ‘Shake It Out’.
The clothing and costume used in the video can be classed
as characteristics of the indie genre, as all the actors and
the main singer, ‘Florence Welch’, are dressed in classy
attire, but with an individual and distinctive twist. For
example at 0:50, Florence is presented in a dress that
appears to look some what like a suit or blazer, as the
audience are only exposed to the top half of her body.
This is particularly diverse for a woman to be wearing and a subvert to the seductive stereotype of a
woman. Also, it rises hints of ambiguity as it suggests the camera man doesn’t want the audience to see
all of Florence, leaving them to wonder about her.

14. “There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are
represented with images. (either illustrative,
amplifying, contradicting).”
Florence and the Machines ‘Shake It Out’ music video is presented as illustrative, indicating a relationship
between the lyrics and visuals. During the line ‘Its hard to dance with a devil on your back’, the video
presents visuals of a man dressed as a mythical, demon looking creature. Supporting the relationship
between the lyrics and illustrative video.
In the chorus, the visuals present the actors jumping around, dancing
and spreading a wild, fun atmosphere. At this point the lyrics are
‘Shake it out’. Between each ‘Shake it out’ line, Florence can be seen
at 2:03, 2:11 and 2:15 vigorously attempting to shake something off of
her back, creating a striking link between lyrics about a devil on your
back and the visuals. At 2:54 in the video, visuals show a crowd of
people gathered around a table, arguably summoning a supernatural
presence. We are also presented with a dark room, filled with candles
and skulls; the actors also appear to be wearing dark clothing. For
example the man at 2:43 wears a cape, a pendent and dark makeup.
Again, this is presented at the time that the lyrics are ‘I’m ready to
suffer’ and ‘looking for heaven found the devil in me’. This presents the
illustrative music video to have a dark, eerie nature featuring negative
vibes throughout, reinforced by the lyrics.

15. Anyhow, something can be said about the way that Florence is dressed, and those around her. At
the start of the video, Florence tells us she is ‘always dragging that horse around’. As horses
symbolise destruction, her dark attire and tedious surroundings may represent her tendencies of
destruction. However, later in the video the visuals present the lyrics of ‘shake it out’ as she wears
an energetic, red dress whilst she and her companions enjoy their night.

16. “There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and
atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music. (either illustrative,
amplifying, contradicting)”
During the music video to Florence and the Machine’s ‘Shake It Out’ the relationship between music and
visuals appear to be amplifying. At the start of the video the music is created through the organs which are
played slowly and at low pitch. At this point the music creates a dismal effect represented through the dark
clothing and slow, lifeless movement displayed by the visuals. At 0:39 the organs low pitch stops and the
drums are introduced, starting with a sudden, loud crash of the cymbals. As soon as the cymbals and bells
become the focus of the music, the visuals then present the actors dancing, drinking and laughing; this
indicates a happier, lighter atmosphere. Further into the song, the chorus also suggests a relationship
between music and visuals. Again, the drums are played and a lead up to the main drum performance which
is played for a few seconds, then joined with the bells and tambourines. At this point visuals then present the
actors in the video to be jumping around and spreading an up beat, wild vibe. A match cut is also used to
represent the lively vibe. At 3:22 Florence aggressively swings her arms down for her to them brings them up
and carry on dancing in the next cut, 1 second later.

17. “The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close
ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across
their work (a visual style)”
The need for lots of close ups isn’t met during this music video, however are replaced with zooms.
This technique is used to create an up close and personal relationship with the artist, although this
music video uses different shots to do so and in the progress produces a more in depth insight into
the artists personality.
Throughout their work, Florence is presented to have a melancholic expression during her
performances, demonstrated clearly through the zooms.
The camera also has a tendency to only show certain parts of her face such as eyes, nose and lips.
This is done to emphasize her singing and embrace her feelings through facial expressions.

18. “There is frequently reference to notion of looking
(screens within screens, mirrors, stages, etc) and
particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body”
‘Shake It Out’ music video is presented through only one screen which denies references to
the notion of looking through several screens such as mirrors etc. However, notion of looking
and particular voyeuristic treatment of the female body is included in the video. Florence is
presented to appear seductive or tempting. This is highlighted through the choice of attire she
wears, as she wears several bright and captivating dresses.
The dress she is captured the most in, during the video, is a long red one which shows off her
chest and cleavage. Also, the dress being red represents passion, seduction and danger,
emphasized more due to her pale skin which strengthens the dress’s colour. The masquerade
masks that Florence and her associates wear highlight a mysterious aura about them as it
isn’t visible who one another are, creating a greater more desirable attraction.
‘Shake It Out’ music video supports Laura Mulvey’s theory; the purpose of having a female in
the video is for voyeuristic purposes. This is shown by the clothing and colour of the artist and
the way she acts within the video.

19. “The artist may develop motifs or iconography that recur
across their work (a visual style)”
Throughout Florence and the Machine’s music video to ‘Shake It Out’ she creates a
motif that is shared amongst her other music videos. For example at the start of her
videos she acts quite slow and try's not to look into the camera lens but focus’s
more on herself and her surroundings. There also a frequent use of close ups and
zooms to the beginning which focus upon her face as we see her slowly unwind as
the chorus begins to be introduced and the rhythm of the music pick up.
During ‘Cosmic Love’ examples of these motifs are shown.
During these screen shots they
present the close ups in both
videos, and the way that Florence
chooses to ignore the camera and
concentrate around her.

20. “There are often intertextual reference (to films, TV programmes, other
music videos etc)”
Florence and the Machine’s music video has an intertextual link to 2001 teen romance, A Cinderella
Story. During the film the audience are aware, in the prom scene, that Austin is searching for his
Princess but is yet to do so as everyone attending Is wearing masquerade masks. Similarly, in the
music video the actors also wear ball gowns and masks, concealing their faces and identities.
Comparably, The Great Gatsby is intertextually related
to ‘Shake It Out’, again with the costumes and outfits.
The gold dress that Florence wears includes similar
characteristics to the one that Daisy wears during the
party scene, thrown by Gatsby himself.

21. It could be considered that ‘You Belong With Me’ music video as that’s also includes references to
prom or masquerade ball scenes. Again, the artist and her associates dress in classy attire much like
Florence. At the end of the video there is also a zoom shot to bring the clip to an end. This highlights
comparable characteristics to those of which shared by the ‘Shake It Out’ music video.

22. “Something Good Can Work”
Two Door Cinema Club
“Something Good Can Work” is a single from
Two Door Cinema Club’s first album; ‘Tourist
History’. It was named after the reputation of the
bands home town, Bangor, which is a tourist
attraction. The 3 member band formed back in
2007b and later released their first album in
2010. It was nominated for the NME Award for
the Best Album and sold 266,389 copies in just
the United Kingdom. The main instruments used
are rhythm and bass guitar, drums and the
vocals, from all members; Alex Trimble being the
lead vocalist.

23. “Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics. (e.g. stage
performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band,
aspiration in Hip Hop)”
From the very start of the video, indie characteristics
are shown as the audience are straight the way
presented with unique and different camera angles.
One that really stood out was an over the head shot
as the artists jumps into the pool. The next one used
is a hand held shot; the shots used during the video
represent the artists personality as they have
individuality and a uniqueness about them much like
the rarely used shots and angles in the video.
The clothes that the band members are presented in
also demonstrate genre characteristics as they wear
unusual or original clothing that contrasts to clothing
that would normally be worn by other genre bands
such as pop and rock. Shirts, chinos and desert
boots are seen on the band at the start of the video.
As well as clothing the instruments used in the
visuals of the video are bass guitars which again are
a convention of the indie rock music genre.
Again, al of the camera shots used throughout the
video are ones that aren’t usually used however
during this video they were used to create a fun and
individual vibe about the video. Lots of whip pans,
handhelds, over the head shots and fades are added
in, representing the energetic and distinctive genre.
Unlike pop or rock genre music videos, indie
have their own style of expression which is
shown thoroughly through their music.

24. “There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are
represented with images. (either illustrative,
amplifying, contradicting).”
The music video is presented as both amplifying and
contradicting as the lyrics to the song ‘Something
Good Can Work’ aren’t associated with the music
video; however by using indie characteristics in the
video it still works well.
Throughout the video the camera angles and shots
change which then changes the way the
performance is presented. For example at 0.42
seconds until 0.48 the video the amplifying as the
band are performing however it then changes to
contradicting when the camera angle changes to
over head.
However, at one point during the video the lyrics
stop but between the verses there is distant laughter
and chatter heard from the band, to which could be
argued that the video becomes illustrative for just a
few seconds. This is due to the visuals being at a fair
ground, and the band are all having fun and laughing
on the rides.

25. “There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and
atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music. (either
illustrative, amplifying, contradicting)”
From the very start of the video it is clear to see there is a relationship between the music and
the visuals. The opening music that starts the video is a slow repetitive beat from the guitar and
the visuals present a dark morning with the sun about to come up. The slow speed of the music
links to the visuals because during the morning things are taken slowly as they are awakening. A
drum beat is then introduced with soon after a steady rhythm on the guitar as the visuals start to
become more active. When people are introduced into the video the music again begins to pick
up and become more up beat; at 0.15 seconds in particular.
As the weather and the
atmosphere change, the
visuals do too.
Again, as the visuals become more exciting and energetic the music also
contributes towards it as it also performs a energetic sound; when the man
jumps into the pool a quick burst of music is heard over the rest, from the
drum.
Further into the song, before the chorus is about to start the band members
are seen walking in the beat of the music to which is then introduced to
another performance to the drums. The visuals then flash forward in time with
the music and the camera points at the bands feet as the edit used, creates
them to walk in time with the drum beat as well as the previous rhythm.

26. “The demands of the record label will include the need for lots
of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which
recur across their work (a visual style)”
During the music video an increasingly large
amount of close ups are used throughout. By
using these shots the audience are brought
closer to the band which allows a relationship
to be made; suggesting that the audience have
more of an insight into the artists personality.
Whilst a lot of the close ups take place, the
main artist of the band either looks straight into
the camera when the video is amplifying and
when it turns to contradicting, the close ups
show the band looking away from the camera
and acting as if they aren’t aware that it is
there.
However, as much as the close ups are used a
more varied range of shots are also used,
some that wouldn’t usually be put into music
videos. Instead, shots and camera angles such
as long shots, over the head shots, hand held
camera and whip pans are used to create a
better, more intriguing effect to the video.

27. “There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within
screens, mirrors, stages, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment
of the female body”
At some points in the video there are frequent shots of
the band looking into the camera. This helps the audience
to connect with the musicians and become more intrigued
and involved in the music video.
However, there are no other notions of looking for
example through mirrors, stages or screens within
screens. As are there no voyeuristic treatment of the
female body as the band consists of only men and there
doesn’t seem to be any women in the music video.
“There are often intertextual reference (to films, TV programmes, other
music videos etc)”
It could be argued that the music video to Two Door
Cinema Club’s ‘Something Good can Work’ has
intertextual links to One Directions ‘That’s What Makes
you Beautiful’. This is due to the band both featuring
parts of their performance on a beach. Also, both bands
seem to wear similar clothes despite the genre of One
Direction. Both of the boy bands can be seen wearing
shirts and chinos, a characteristic of the indie genre.

28. “The artist may develop motifs or iconography that recur across
their work (a visual style)”
Throughout the bands work they have formed several motifs and iconography during their
music videos. For example, in the video ‘I Can Talk’ similarities consist of the hand held
camera being used often, similar style of clothing, different settings and looking into the
camera. In most of the bands work they are seen to look into the camera lens and are fully
aware that the camera is there.
During this video in particular the whole of it is recorded on a hand held camera which
creates a shaky and unstable effect. This bring the audience closer to the band just like in
their other videos such as ‘Something Good Can Work’.
Also, this video also shares similarities within motifs as the band are seen to be performing
and playing their instruments such as the bass guitar.