Analysing Two Rock Music VideosBiffy Clyro- Many of Horror

Paramore- Monster

Conventions Used:Biffy Clyro- Many of HorrorNotion of looking is implemented strongly, lead singer continually making ‘eye contact’ with audienceGenre characteristics- dark, desolate setting, presentation of instruments, images of ‘monsters’Range of camera shots, close ups, medium close up, long shotStyle of video is performanceSet in different parts of the same building

Paramore- MonsterNotion of lookingFootage links to lyrics (running, scared, eerie)A range of camera work, close ups of band members, long shots of running charactersUse of genre characteristics- rock, dark, mysterious, brooding, instruments presentedClear narrative style with elements of performance range of different settings with similar aesthetics (same building)

Camera Work:Paramore- MonsterThe video uses a plethora of shots from extreme close up to long shots. The extreme close ups are used when focusing on the lead singers facial features, the shot highlights the singers expression and reaction to her surroundings which fit the narrative. When the band members are separated in the video high camera angles are used to make the audience feel that the characters are small, this also connotes weakness and vulnerability of the characters.Wider shots are used to show the entire band together to the audience which connotes strength and togetherness which is useful in presenting the narrative because it is about strength in numbers and overcoming adversity.

Biffy Clyro- Many of HorrorThe video uses mainly close up shots of the lead singer (Simon Neil). The shots always include aspects of the background behind the artist and the derelict and barron warehouse connotes the fear and emptiness described in the song. The shots of the entire band playing their instruments and ultimately performing the song allow for the audience to feel as though the band are performing to them which also suggests the feelings the band are singing about are relatable to more than just the lead singer.

Editing:Paramore- Monster In the video shots are linked together often using jump cuts, fade to black and fade into the new shot or a flash of white. As the song gains tempo the cuts become quicker and are shown in faster succession. The shots are excellently timed to the music as some shots are specifically related to parts of the song. The shots are also interlinked for example the lead singer could be shown performing and then it could cut to an eerie hospital room. In the video the band is seen to be running from an unknown force, while doing this the setting is shown to be shaking similar to an earthquake, this is well timed to the characters reaction and the music gaining tempo again.Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroThis video starts out more simplistic and uses typical jump cuts to link shots together. When the band is shown to be performing as a whole there is the faint image of electricity in the background which would’ve have to of been added in after filming via CGI. A ghosting effect is added on top of the lead singer when performing to the camera on his own. As the song hits its most up tempo part different images of the lead singer are edited on to his face to represent psychotic madness. The music is well excellently timed to the video and the performance of the band.

Genre:Monster- ParamoreThis video is for a rock song and the video definitely portrays the characteristics of this. The setting is an abandoned hospital which is very stereotypical in being a place associated with ghosts, danger and fear. This fits the song well as the song is about being scared of ‘monsters’. The video is designed to be distorted and definitely achieves this with the room full of dead flowers and the explosions around the band members.Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroThis video is for an alternative rock song. This video again has a lot of characteristics which help portray the genre to the audience. Being set in an abandoned warehouse with non-functional electric technology adds to the feeling of eeriness and unease. The clothes the band are wearing also contribute to the presentation of the genre being dressed in dark colours and classic style clothing.

Narrative:Monster- ParamoreThis video is the more conventional narrative of the two. The characters are shown to be running from a type of fearful entity which the audience doesn't see but is shown the effects of. This is very much related to the song as Paramore are singing about personal fears addressing them as ‘monsters’ and the basic fight or flight instinct when facing fear. The video’s setting and effects are all types of fear from the opening of the video showing the band in water (drowning) to being locked and lost inside a derelict hospital.Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroThis video is a performance of the song by the band and the audience isn't being shown a story rather the band performing the song and portraying the pain and madness sung about through special effects. The song focuses on the lead singer often separating him from the rest of the band and focusing on his turmoil and love related to the song. The ghosting effect I have previously spoken about highlights this.

Performance:Monster- ParamoreThe performance in the video is well executed. The band take on their roles well and are able to convince the audience of the fear they are feeling. The effect of the explosions is that the audience is shown the power and strength of whatever the characters are feeling. This is more convincing to the audience and adds more worth to the video and the song.Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroThe performance in this video is the main focus. The band are in roles that the audience perceive as very natural which helps sell the authenticity of the song. The performance feels very raw when compared to the over dramatic Paramore video as there are less special effects and the ones that are on display are simple imagery and only add to the emotion of the performance.

Representation:Monster- ParamoreIn this video the representations are easy to see. The opening of the video is showing the band laying unconscious in water which represents the vulnerability of the characters and the fear exploiting the weakness they feel. The abandoned hospital the video is set in could represent entrapment. The image of the band members running from the explosions and tremors represents the basic human instinct of fight or flight which in most cases a person will choose to run from what they fear.Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroThe video is set in Battersea Power Station which is a well known landmark in the UK. This is relevant because of the electric cgi effect. This represents the connection between the singer and his wife. It is an image that shows the feeling of the love he has for his family. The use of light and dark shows the two sides to a relationship and how struggles are a part of the companionship.

Institutions:Monster- ParamoreParamore is signed to Fueled By Ramen which is a subsidiary of Warner.

Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroBiffy Clyro is signed to 14th Floor which is a subsidiary of Warner Music UK.

Values and Ideology:Monster- ParamoreIn this video I believe the objective was to show the audience fear without it having a physical manifestation. The band wanted to show solidarity after two of their original members had left. The song and the video had to portray the strength of the band while breaching themes that were very human and exposing. I feel they wanted to reach out to their audience on a level where each other could relate.Many of Horror- Biffy ClyroThis video really highlights the effect of love and companionship. The song is performed very simply to get the best reaction to the words and ideas. The video portrays the importance of love and a supportive relationship, it's very clear that Biffy Clyro as a band value the relationships they have and the expression of love is shown as important. I believe the band wanted to show the value of simplicity and explicitly show their raw emotions to the audience which is why the special effects are very minimal and the video is simply a performance of the song.