Textual analysis of a Music Video: Easy Easy

Easy easy by King Krule is a song that does not fit easily into any one genre; instead, like most of his music, it is a hybrid. It compiles elements of independent rock and post punk to create an unusual and interesting sound. The music video, in turn, takes elements from both indie-rock and punk conventions to create a visual synchrony fitting well with the tone of the song.




Narrative

The video does not follow a particular overarching plot. There is no clear story being told within the video, however a character is created throughout the chronicling of his experiences. This mostly includes aimless wandering, acts of delinquency and spending time with his friends. the focus of the video then becomes the symbolism, mood and concept.

The character is shown here rolling marijuana on a train, giving the impression of him being uncaring and disruptive.

Effects

Throughout the video effects are employed to add to the mood. Things like light leaks, film burns and a filter that makes the film appear grainy and dated give the video a nostalgic feelings, as well as to relate the video back to the bands of the 70s and 80s that inspired the song, such as The Stranglers or The Smiths. Not only doe this link the video to the independent genre through association but builds contrast with the sharp high definition digital video it is paired with. This contrast may imply how nothing has changed between these times.

The grainy camera quality implies the footage is aged; this gives a feeling of nostalgia, and the vibrant, technicolour grading connects the video to the 70s.

Light leaks like this are not only common in the indie genre, but help to create the association of age within the video.

Film

The video has high verisimilitude, as much of it is filmed outdoors and is lit naturally. The lenses and colour correction used creates very soft colours and warm lighting for the video, which builds a sense of tranquillity and bliss for the protagonists. Beyond this, it also fits with the indie genre, as this form of video is conventional to the genre. The addition of a fish-eye lens also adds a visual and stylistic choice that makes the video more interesting, as it holds attention by not remaining predictable or rigidly consistent.

The fish eye lens contradicts the 'vintage' appearance of much of the other film, as this is a much more moderneffect; this dissociation builds parallels to the feeling of the characters.