The level of Biffy Clyro's success is a varying one. Two years ago i saw them on the main stage at Leeds Fest. Back then they were a big'ish' rock band with one or two realised songs that truly got a lot of air time. Since then at least 4 songs have been realised and another album which has truly propelled Biffy and especially lead singer Simon Neil into the lime light. With the new album they've gone for a more main stream sound than previous tracks. Withs songs such as 'Mountains' and 'The Captain' played constantly where ever you go. The day before the gig they announced a UK arena tour and main support for Muse at Wemberly Stadium... ultimately reflecting the success they really are. So this potentially is the last ever Biffy Clyro Academy tour. This was certainly not a gig to be missed.
I went to the gig alone.. sad i know but i didn't wanna miss out. I had no idea who the support were when i went in either. I went straight from work and again seen as i was alone... i had nothing to do but go straight in. I'm so glad i did.
Opening was the local but arising synth driven mathcore band Rolo Tomassi. With a new album on its way (Cosmology) I'm guessing this opener slot was to get their name out there. Not to mention the fact they seem to be playing every festival going this summer. Their performance was short lived but impressive. Lead singer Eva is what a female front woman should be. Good looking and a little mental. The crowd didn't seem to impressed... I feel it may of been a bit heavy for them. Problem is my money was on that 75% of the crowd know Biffy through Radio 1 and have no idea how heavy they are live. As an opener goes, Rolo Tomassi were great on paper. Loud, fast and energetic. I thought Biffy was on next, i had no idea there was to by another little surprise.
The Twilight Sad... If you haven't heard of them. Listen to them. Think a cross between Editors and Biffy and you have the general idea. Now these were the perfect support. The 30-40 min set was perfect in its atmospheric heartfelt sound. The crowd was pretty quiet and watched in a sense or awe. The lighting helped, who ever they take on tour with them did a great job. They didn't say much while playing but didn't need to. Ending the set with 'Cold Days From The Birdhouse' The Twilight Sad made me feel happy i turned up early. Happy i was at work till 6 not leaving enough time to go home. Happy i bought the ticket 6 months previous on a whim that i would have anyone to go with.
The sold out crowd started to grow and grow and get more and more cramped. Biffy took to the stage half naked (top half) which only led me to think 'Well i suppose you save on washing'. Opening with a heavier than recorded version on 'Golden Rule' the crowd cheered with excitement. The hard hitting songs like 'Shock Shock' and 'Saturday Superhouse' seemed to split the crowd. Half instantly loved it and went mental, the other half looked confused for the first few seconds to almost say 'This isn't biffy... its too heavy'. What that latter half seem to be blissfully unaware of is that Biffy Clyro are a rock band.. not an indie band as they have naively seen as of recent months.
They can also chill the crowd with softer tracks including 'Many Of Horror', 'God and Satan', 'Machines' and 'Justboy' before inspiring them into chorus with the more rock orientated hits like 'Who's Got a Match', 'Mountains', and 'The Captain'. Biffy cover all grounds with their live performances. The bare-chested and bearded Simon Neil is as wild a front man as you'd ever want to see and hear while flame haired bassist James and his drummer brother Ben also engage themselves to the crowd, who can't help but lap up the unique atmosphere. For the mainstream songs such as 'There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake' the crowd responded well with hardcore fans singing along and going mental. Its apparent at this gig that its the recent album that's truly captured the nations heart. The encore consisted of 4 songs 'Cloud Of Stink', 'Machines' which had the crowd singing passionately along, 'Convex, Concave' and 'The Captain' which was the perfect way to end the night with a massive amount of movement and singalong waving of arms.
I advise people to see this band one way or another. They do not fail to impress.
Peace
x
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