First impressions about this band entered my mind before I even had the chance to check out this disc. Is this a solo artist? Is it a strange name? What is a Biffy Clyro, exactly? The only thing I knew about this band before I heard the first note was that they were from Scotland and they won a Best Live Band award from New Music Express (NME). I have several friends who are really into british music and had suggested I take a listen to see if I might like it.
The opening track is "The Captain". Within the first four bars of the song, I'm hooked. Immediately, I ponder if this is what they listen to at soccer matches in Europe. The lyrics and chorus are very anthemic. There's a quality to this song that invites any and everyone to sing-a-long. There's a kaleidoscopic vibe going with the keyboards, some lush bass licks and the singer's voice is thick with all things Scottish.
So now, while I'm enjoying this song, it opens up an even bigger array of questions. How many people are in this band? Is the whole album as good as the opening track? How do these guys pull off this music live? Can they recreate this in a live environment? The NME award immediately gives these guys street credentials, so I know they can carry a tune to a crowd.
"That Golden Rule" is the next song and its much faster than the intro. The guitar work is rapid fire, yet gets quiet during the verses. When the entire band is going full steam, it's a thunderous engine roaring. The reason this band appeals to my musical tastes is because they are using interesting guitar patterns, thought provoking lyrics and they are very keen to mix up their instrumentation and layering.
To think that this band is able to emit these lush sounds as just a trio is staggering. I'm hearing a wide variety of influences from Rush to hints of Muse. The start and stop antics of the band really help create the moods as you dig further into this album. Foo Fighters tapped these guys to open up for them on their new tour and in typical Dave Grohl fashion, they hit a bullseye.
Biffy Clyro is a band that we're going to be hearing about in future years. They've been touring in support of this record for several years and are just now getting some much needed publicity in the States. They've toured here with Cage The Elephant and are now playing to thousands with Foo Fighters and Motorhead. Without major radio airplay, they have their work cut out for them. If this band is going to break in the United States without a major radio push, it would be easier to do this now more than ever.
This band is not a one-trick pony. They bring a lot to the table that most bands ignore. Their musicianship is stellar and the way they interact with each other and the audience helps them cut their own niche as a people's type of band. I enjoy this band and this record for the "underdog" quality of it. These are fantastic songs that I never would have heard had my friends not badgered me about it. This is a rock record, make no doubt about it. But, this just isn't a typical record. They treat their listeners with respect and challenge with non-traditional styles of songcrafting. These songs aren't your typical 4/4-in-the-box variety. They push the envelope and treat us as forward thinkers with this album. If you like a good rock record and are looking for something new, this is your album.
R.I.Y.L. (Recommended If You Like):
Rush, Jimmy Eat World, Muse, hints of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Gems (Favorite Songs):
"Bubbles", "Mountains", "Booooom, Blast & Ruin"
The opening track is "The Captain". Within the first four bars of the song, I'm hooked. Immediately, I ponder if this is what they listen to at soccer matches in Europe. The lyrics and chorus are very anthemic. There's a quality to this song that invites any and everyone to sing-a-long. There's a kaleidoscopic vibe going with the keyboards, some lush bass licks and the singer's voice is thick with all things Scottish.
So now, while I'm enjoying this song, it opens up an even bigger array of questions. How many people are in this band? Is the whole album as good as the opening track? How do these guys pull off this music live? Can they recreate this in a live environment? The NME award immediately gives these guys street credentials, so I know they can carry a tune to a crowd.
"That Golden Rule" is the next song and its much faster than the intro. The guitar work is rapid fire, yet gets quiet during the verses. When the entire band is going full steam, it's a thunderous engine roaring. The reason this band appeals to my musical tastes is because they are using interesting guitar patterns, thought provoking lyrics and they are very keen to mix up their instrumentation and layering.
To think that this band is able to emit these lush sounds as just a trio is staggering. I'm hearing a wide variety of influences from Rush to hints of Muse. The start and stop antics of the band really help create the moods as you dig further into this album. Foo Fighters tapped these guys to open up for them on their new tour and in typical Dave Grohl fashion, they hit a bullseye.
Biffy Clyro is a band that we're going to be hearing about in future years. They've been touring in support of this record for several years and are just now getting some much needed publicity in the States. They've toured here with Cage The Elephant and are now playing to thousands with Foo Fighters and Motorhead. Without major radio airplay, they have their work cut out for them. If this band is going to break in the United States without a major radio push, it would be easier to do this now more than ever.
This band is not a one-trick pony. They bring a lot to the table that most bands ignore. Their musicianship is stellar and the way they interact with each other and the audience helps them cut their own niche as a people's type of band. I enjoy this band and this record for the "underdog" quality of it. These are fantastic songs that I never would have heard had my friends not badgered me about it. This is a rock record, make no doubt about it. But, this just isn't a typical record. They treat their listeners with respect and challenge with non-traditional styles of songcrafting. These songs aren't your typical 4/4-in-the-box variety. They push the envelope and treat us as forward thinkers with this album. If you like a good rock record and are looking for something new, this is your album.
R.I.Y.L. (Recommended If You Like):
Rush, Jimmy Eat World, Muse, hints of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Gems (Favorite Songs):
"Bubbles", "Mountains", "Booooom, Blast & Ruin"
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