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Can we escape the traps of the past but always know some mistakes are worth repeating? (Two People in Love)
Sometimes you have to come close to losing everything to realise what you've got.
The Biffy Clyro story has been built by three kindred spirits who have been together since they were just 15-years-old. Over that time, Simon Neil and brothers James and Ben Johnston have taken their band from the big dreams of their scrappy, grunge-loving origins to become one of the biggest forces in alternative rock. Against all odds those ambitions were realised with three UK #1 albums; headline sets at festivals from Reading and Leeds and Download to Radio 1's Big Weekend and TRNSMT; countless arena shows; multiple NME and Kerrang! awards plus three BRIT nominations.
But as they released 'A Celebration of Endings' in the midst of the pandemic, quickly followed by the companion piece 'The Myth of the Happily Ever After', unexpected cracks spread throughout their foundations. Suddenly, 'The Myth...' title felt horribly ominous.
"I think we had all neglected our lives outside of the band," admits Simon. "I think we all, in different ways, reached the end of the road and really needed to address our personal situations in terms of mental health. I needed to do something that was just the opposite of Biffy."
He channelled that urge into his leftfield extreme metal band Empire State Bastard, spending much of 2023 on the project's release and its first run of shows. It would be the first time since 2015 in which tour titans Biffy had effectively spent more than a year off the road. What emerged was, he confesses, was almost "a fear of being together."
A self-confessed overthinker who needs creativity to maintain a clear headspace, Simon's thoughts were haunted by the situation. Who is he without his bandmates and what would he do next? "Hitting a low point always leads to me writing good music," he grimaces, also accepting that it makes him incredibly hard to live with. But the songs flowed freely, with a soundtrack of the hook-laden aggression of Hi-Vis and The Armed, the melody of Big Thief, the metallic, sky-bound synths of Blood Incantation, and the instant pop of ABBA and Kacey Musgraves all providing subconscious influences.
The attitude of artists from other disciplines informed his thinking too: the extreme, unyielding commitment of Marina Abramović's 'Rhythm 0' project; the way in which Ari Aster's horror films focus on psychological torment over shocks or gore.
But what could solve the band's tension? The solution was actually simple. "It was literally seeing each other in the flesh, having a hug, and then everything just evaporated. It was just that shared moment of, 'Aren't we fucking lucky to know each other and to be able to share our lives together?' So we spent a lot of time together outside of the context of the band. All we needed to do was to remind ourselves that we're the same people. While we've evolved, we're still the same pals we were when we were 15."
That sense of returning to their roots to reconnect with the "ease, joy and innocence" of their early days was further heightened with a series of gigs in which they revisited their first three albums.
It was a turn of events which led Simon to realise the importance of the small things: or rather, the small things in life that really mean everything. Or as he now puts it: "I realised that you only really cherish things once they disappear. I want to cherish every moment I have with the people I love. I don't want to be sitting here in ten years' time cursing myself for a split-second decision I made because of my ego."
And quickly Simon rediscovered how much he valued his old friends and bandmates. He found their joy and their enthusiasm for his new songs infectious, and they trusted his songwriting regardless of the soul-scorching lyrics they often included. He could hear how much they had finely tuned their already accomplished abilities as musicians since he last saw them. He also appreciated what they individually bring to the band as a unit: Ben's natural tendency to live in the moment, James bringing logistics and planning into the mix.
But their friendship means more than all of that. It's something which is explored in their upcoming single 'A Little Love', a track in which brighter melodic tones and funk-leaning vibes bring an element of surprise before a classically soaring Biffy hook hits hard.
"It's a cynically optimistic song," begins Simon in reference to what is surely the most positive-sounding song to ever open with a lyric referencing divorce. "The song is basically about no matter what life or your relationship throws at you, if you always maintain that connection and that presence in each other's lives, then I think you can conquer anything. Myself, Ben and James have been really lucky to share that. It's the same in any long-term relationship: a marriage, with close friends or family. The beautiful thing about going through such a part of your life together is that you find out the most important aspects of each other and what really matters."
Another new song, 'Goodbye', takes us into a darker mindset. The tone is sweeping, string-assisted balladry in the finest of Biffy traditions - emotive, not manipulative - but its elegance masks the punctured torment of feeling as if giving up is your final chance of redemption. Simon picks his words carefully. "With the speed and intensity of our modern lives, I feel everyone has probably considering shuffling off the planet. That had passed through my mind at points. And that's why I now finally feel a bit of optimism, because I was able to pour that sentiment into a song rather than internalise it. Actually I realised I didn't want to escape this life, I just wanted to feel present. I needed to remind myself that life is everything, it isn't just your good times."
That existentialism is traded for visceral exasperation in 'Hunting Season'. In a volley of punkish melody and post-hardcore riffing, his ire targets big tech, social media companies and late stage capitalism: especially the way in which people are treated as "collateral damage" in their pursuit of profit margins. It's also symbolic of the band's renowned communication, as Simon had put it on the backburner until Ben picked it as a personal favourite.
These songs - and a wealth of others to be revealed - came together primarily during seven weeks of sessions at Berlin's hallowed Hansa Studios with producer Jonathan Gilmore (Nothing But Thieves, The 1975, beabadoobee). By this point, team Biffy was back in high spirits, which were heightened by a "studio where I feel great art has been made, it emphasises that it's really important to set your bar fucking high." For Simon it evoked images of prime David Bowie and Iggy Pop, of Einstürzende Neubauten drilling holes in the live room, and Nick Cave and Blixa Bargeld getting lost in hedonism that made 'Fear and Loathing' look like a stroll to the garden centre.
Their enthusiasm in the studio was further driven by the summer festival offers that were coming in. By the time this summer fades, they will have played Radio 1's Big Weekend, Glastonbury, Eden Sessions and TRNSMT, plus a selection of major European events such as Rock am Ring / Rock im Park, Pinkpop and Hurricane.
So what could've been gone is now firmly back - and stronger than ever before. "Our raison d'etre is to get up on that stage," beams Simon, flashing a smile of both relief and contentment that the trio's woes are behind them. "I just can't wait to remind everyone what we're all about. Our mantra is, let Biffy be Biffy, motherfucker!"
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Biffy Clyro is a phenomenal live band and the very small venue made for a really intimate show. I saw them in 2011 at same venue and can't wait to see them again. They never disappoint!!
You can pay $100 dollars to see some megagroup in an arena with their lasers and special effects. Or you can see the real deal for 20 bucks at a place like Brighton Music Hall. Biffy Clyro is a well kept secret on these shores, but they're huge in Europe. Every song is played with such energy and passion, you can't help but get caught up in the Biff's infectious and compelling songs. The next time they come to your town, do yourself a favor and seek them out. You'll be saying "Mon The Biff!" before you know it.
Biffy Clyro was extremely unimpressive. Considering their "status" from the UK, I expected more. They had a math-rocky/british-pop/alternative-indie feel that wasn't really math rock, wasn't really "poppy", wasn't really alt. and wasn't really indie. They also came off as pompous and unfriendly. Sorry guys... you aren't big enough to be jerks, even if you were big enough... you still shouldn't be jerks. It's a damn good thing "Mellow Bravo" was there. They put on a pretty amazing show. I would definitely go and see them again!
I had no idea that there were going to be TWO opening bands (I felt bad for the first band up...there were maybe 15 people in the venue). Hello Bravo was pretty good but not what I was expecting (great rock sound). Band turn around was FAST and the crowd stayed pretty pumped. Biffy came on and everyone was psyched - but the show wasn't what I thought it would be (but that's probably just because I had gotten a different impression from the band's mainstream music and videos). It's a safe venue (I never felt crowded or intimidated by the size of the event). I had a good time, but it wasn't the highlight of May for me.
I LOVE this band, I have been going to see Biffy Clyro for the last 8 years, since they started gigging in tiny clubs in Scotland. I recently moved over to Boston and they have played here twice since I got here... This gig (their second) was awesome, I love their energy and I love their music!!!!!!!!!
Biffy Clyro were amazing. I've seen them play in seven countries now over the past three years, and they always give 200%. Hands down, the best live rock band touring today. Unfortunately, they only sold about 60 tickets and most of the crowd stood at the back by the bar and watched. I blame the local radio station The Zone@ 94.1 for not promoting this gig. It broke my heart to see such a poor turnout. If anyone actually reads these reviews, listen up. If Biffy Clyro come to your town or anywhere near you, GO AND SEE THEM. You won't regret it.
Biffy clyro rules hands down. They were super tight and loud and they impressed me thoroughly! Ive been a musician for many years and dont go to many concerts anymore but this was def worth going to. New rock and roll with a genuine sound. Keep rockin
Start to finish a great show. Their energy is infectious and thier musicality is spot on. By far the best show I've seen of the Biff. MON THE BIFFY!
Easily one of the best shows I've seen in a few years. They're machines on stage never missing a beat or note. True professionals with a very unique and creative sound. With all the trash on the radio it's nice to know that there is still great music being made. I'm just sorry it took me till the 5th album to hear about them. A must see live. They do a very good job of capturing the live energy on the albums but live they tear your face off.
Biffy Clyro is one of the really good live bands around...they had so much energy on stage & I think they sound better live (if that is even possible)...The Phantoms (opening band) were alright...they did do a good cover of Message in a bottle..I thought the lead sounded a bit like Placebo...but good stuff...Moving Mountains was great too...but maybe a bit too rock for my taste...and of course, Biffy ruled the night!
This band is going to be huge in the US; already are in the UK. They put on a tight, loud, energetic live set and are approachable by the fans. Smart, emotional lyrics and brilliant riffs and arrangements make them one of the best in a LONG time. Do not hesitate to go see this band if you liked the early 90s Seattle sound! I'm talking Mudhoney, early Soundgarden, Skinyard, etc.
This was the second time I have seen them, and they are truly amazing!! Love how the stage in this venue was lower so you felt like you are part of it all :)
I'm a sucker for blind buy concert tickets, but I had been listening to their latest album a bit after finding their name on the list of bands coming to The Basement. First off, at 98 minutes, this is the longest show I have ever been to at that venue. It was hot, it was sweaty, and it was all I could do to keep my place by the sound booth. However, as stated, these guys put on a solid show and sound just as good if not better than they do on CD. They played the whole Only Revolutions album sans one song (Cloud of Stink) which was just incredible. Even though they are playing a "standard" setlist on each stop this tour, it's worth it just to see them perform live even if you've heard a recording of their set. Simon has some wicked sweat flying when he head bangs.
So there was a bad snowstorm this day, and the opening band cancelled but Biffy found a way to get there. The show was at 7th St. Entry, and if you arent familiar, it is tiny, the maximum capacity being 250. I know Biffy Clyro is used to playing Wembley and such...but they were just as mind blowing and appeared to have just as good a time playing here. Simon thrashed about as much as the stage allowed, and the band played for about two hours, playing mostly tracks from Only Revolutions but taking something (I believe) from each album. The harmonies were fantastic, as was the rest of their playing in general.
Extremely lively concert..these boys are the hardest playing band in Europe.
awesome show, i love the basement. biffy clyro was so much better than i ever could have expected. that guy can play guitar! everything sounded great. you could see well from pretty much anywhere. of course you get the typical drunk idiots shoving for no reason.... it's a rock show. when they come back, i will be there!
Never really had time to make it to a concert but I like these guys a lot so this was my first concert. Had a good time. "That Golden Rule" made the night. Would pay to see it again!
The basement was a horrible choice for a band this big. But Biffy killed it as usual. They are damn near flawless in their playing and sounded great!!
Biffy Clyro was the best concert I have seen in a small venue. They had an amazing set list and sounded just as good live as their CD. I feel like they will be very big in the US soon and will play stadiums rather than small venues so I feel lucky to have seen them at about 50 ft. away.
Saw Biffy Clyro at the Basement in Columbus, Ohio on February 18, 2011 and it was amazing! They came out shirt-less and started playing The Captain full-force and maintained a high energy throughout the show. The main set ended with Many of Horror and they came back out for an encore of Glitter and Trauma, Justboy, and the finale of Mountains. The lead singer, Simon Neil, played 2 songs acoustic by himself and it was awesome except for the fact people seemed to enjoy talking loudly rather than listen to the concert so it was hard to hear him singing over their talking. They sang and played the songs true to the album, without much deviation, except for some hardcore rocking on the guitars. They are a fun band to watch jam on their instruments. Overall, an awesome show that I would recommend to any Biffy Clyro fan.
