Arctic Monkeys - Arabella

 I decided to do Arctic Monkeys – Arabella which part takes in the indie rock genre and they’re now very well known for their individual sound as the lead singer, Alex Turner, delivers his lyrics in his very distinctive and strong Sheffield accent which famed their music in their early years. The video consists mostly of a performance from the band which is quite common for a music video in the indie rock genre, by the Arctic Monkey’s doing this it also makes it a lot cheaper to produce as it is only them involved. However, this is a typical convention of a music video for an indie rock artist. The video also touches on narrative as it shows a women and a man in a relationship throughout however, completely separate from the band.

Indie rock is a genre branching from alternative rock which originated from the United Kingdom in the 80’s and has many sub-genres such as indie pop, lo-fi and jangle pop.  Originally indie rock was used to identify acts that were outsiders and has underground perspectives however, they managed to grow importance through the internet and then following this, they were able to gain commercial success. Most indie rock music videos are all about a particular look for example in the editing process many effects and filters are used in order for it to feel as if it’s a movie. Performance is also a key element for indie rock music videos as its shows of the bands/artists passion to attract an audience to one of their live shows and typically they also include a small amount of narrative.  However, the narrative of an indie rock music video tends to have more of a serious feel too as it can often represent and explain the song in a visual manner to attract an audience.

At the beginning the first thing we notice is a black and white filter being used and almost as if it is being shown through an old projector and on the display is a women moving around her house however, it is shown in a very fast pace. Following this we’re straight away shown the main singer, Alex Turner, who is performing the song to a small audience. Alex Turner’s clothes also comply with the indie rock genre as they’re usually dressed in typical mod clothing which was a sophisticated look which included tailor-made suits, button-down collar shirts, Chelsea boots, loafers, desert boots and their hairstyles also imitated the look of French Nouvelle Vague film actors. By using the idea of a projector it fits with the codes and conventions of an indie music video as they usually consist of filters to make the music video appear as if it were old and worn down. Over the top there is a voice over but its pace follows the pace of the shots therefore, you can’t really understand what is going on and therefore, this will engage the audience as it will intrigue them as to what is going on.

The song appears to be about the connection between the two of them. He finds a strong mental and physical connection with her through her mystery. He says ‘a helter skelter ‘round her little finger and I ride it endlessly’ is a ride or a slide of some sort and he wants to let her know that she is all he desires; she is all he wants to see, but she also needs to know that he’s in control. The lyrics link in with the music video as the narrative follows a couple and you see several shots of a couple kissing and doing stereotypical couple things which helps enhance the lyrics in which Alex wrote about.

Various editing techniques are used throughout after the black and white filter is used and the film roll effect, I feel this enhances the genre as this is a convention for indie music videos. There are occasional shots where the band become a little blurred and it stops for a still shot for a second and then the music video carries on, this reflects the pace of the song as the parts where it stops are little pauses in the song and almost adds to a short film effect.

The video focuses more upon the narrative however; we also see the bands performance of the song. The narrative shows the couple doing stereotypical couple things like kissing etc. and the way they’ve been style is the same as the band as they’re both dressed quite mod and retro in a way. They way they’ve been style is very smart and sophisticated, wearing button down shirts, tailored trousers and smart shoes therefore, it makes them appear quite different which then relates to the indie genre. Their music is suitable for a range of people as they’ve been around for quite a long time therefore, it can range from teenagers to people late twenties/early thirties or elder. The video also doesn’t feature much iconography however, the band are known for their strong Sheffield accents in their singing and how they’re very interested in their concepts for music video therefore, you know that it is the Arctic Monkeys as soon as they begin to sing.

There are a lot of similarities within the Arctic Monkey’s video where the lighting is often dark and they’re often filmed in black and white which adds to the dim, low key lighting. They all tend to largely consist of a narrative and performance and often the narrative involves a girl or the band doing something a whole. In ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When Your High?’ it features Alex Turner (lead singer) and a girl following the narrative of a song of how a girl only calls him when she is under the influence of drugs or alcohol therefore, the majority of the video is him lip syncing and there are several close ups of the female character therefore, we’re able to see the emotions she feels. The majority of their music videos consist of ordinary narratives and quite low budget so it keeps its almost indie feel to it and that they’re still the same people they were when they were trying to make their name in the music industry. None of the videos tend to be of them being happy and messing around and I think that’s because their lyrics hold a serious narrative and that their songs aren’t pop therefore, it would be out the conventions to do so.

The band is introduced 40 seconds into the music video where the shots mainly show a women in what appears to be her front room and then some shots of people on motorbikes but when we’re introduced to the band you’re instantly given a close up of Alex Turner who is the lead singer therefore, you’re introduced to the band quite nicely as its shown quite blatantly to the audience. I think his facial expression is significant as he appears to be quite serious which then could foreshadow the tone of the song and give the audience an idea of the narrative for the music video. Not all of the shots involve the bands faces allowing the audience to get a feel for them and almost what they’re about as you will be able to see the full outfit and realise the sophistication which is unusual for a bands outfit. As a whole, all of the shots themselves are quite shaky and almost slanted which makes them also appear as if it were hand held which could emphasise the idea of a low budget indie music video.

Overall I think the Arctic Monkey’s and Jake Nava (the director) did a good job on the video as there are areas where it shows a lot of meaning and emotion in the lyrics but through a very subtle way by using the characters and through Alex’s expressions himself. Also the use of the black and white filter gives a sense of an indie music video which is confirmed when the band begin to play and the narrative falls into place a little.