Biffy Clyro - a Scottish hidden treasure

Now for some music. 

Biffy Clyro (from http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l45r47Cj8t1qc0ujz.jpg)

Ever heard of Biffy Clyro? 

If you obtained the iTunes deluxe edition  of the "Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon" soundtrack then you would have heard Biffy's latest hit "Many of Horror" from their 2009 album Only Revolutions.  Maybe you heard X Factor winner Matt Cardle sing a cover of the song.  Or maybe, like me, you came across Biffy completely by chance and have not been able to stop listening to them ever since. 

Their sound is...different.  When you pick up a Biffy album, you don't really know what to expect.  But you know you'll get something different and interesting every single time.  Sometimes it sounds highly experimental (a la Muse b-sides) and it could take a while for some to appreciate; other songs are more standard in that they are clearly and distinguishably rock and roll in sound; then there are the surprisingly tender songs whether it's a beautiful acoustic track or a power ballad like "Many of Horror".  Regardless of the song, Biffy promises to be interesting.  If you like Muse, Blur, or Radiohead I think you might like Biffy Clyro.  [Biffy even opened for Muse at Wembley Stadium! - they recently released a DVD set of this performance].  

The Biffy Clyro discography is quite eclectic sound-wise.  My recommendation is to try giving it all a listen but here are some standouts from each album in case you don't want to spend too much time:

- Blackened Sky (2002)

----"57", "JustBoy", "Convex Concave" [classic & original Biffy]

- The Vertigo of Bliss (2003)

----"Bodies in Flight", "Questions and Answers", "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys" [more experimental but largely classic Biffy]

-Infinity Land (2004)

----"Glitter & Trauma", "There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake", "Some Kind Of Wizard" [experimental Biffy, but possibly my favorite Biffy album - it's basically awesome surprise after surprise around every corner]

Only Revolutions album cover

-Puzzle (2007)

----"Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies", "Folding Stars", "Machines" [Biffy getting mainstream; their breakthrough album and possibly their most cynical seeing as it was produced at a hard time in songwriter Simon Neil's life]

-Only Revolutions (2009)

----"Many of Horror", "Bubbles", "Shock Shock" [Biffy continues to head in the mainstream direction but maintain their experimental and rock 'n' roll integrity with pounding pulses and occasional shrieks - a good album for a green Biffy fan to start with]

And they are more than just interesting & experimental textures.  It's amazing what only 3 guys can do - the complexity of the rhythm and riffs is often mind-blowing and it's clear that these musicians have a close understanding of themselves and each other as musicians.  Simon Neil is the guitarist/vocalist with twins Ben and James Johnston on drums and bass (and vocals) respectively.  Ben has a pleasantly surprising good voice which he has proven he can maintain in energetic live performances while drumming furiously through classic Biffy tracks like "57" and "JustBoy" where he belts out the chorus.  And you can tell this band is incredibly dedicated to their art after forming their band at 15 years old.  Now in their early 30s, they are still going strong (no Oasis-type family rifts) and it seems that their years of hard work are finally paying off. 

(from http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/tinthepark/2010/img/home/biffy_clyro.jpg)

But the best way to get the full Biffy Clyro experience is to see them live.  It's an incredible thing and they are absolutely fantastic in a live performance. I was lucky enough to catch them in a small gig at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles on a Tuesday night when I had 3 classes the following morning back at UCSD.  They're hairy and tattooed but don't let that put you off (if those sorts of little things put you off).  They put on a great show with good performances all around with an energy that really gets your blood pumping - you really can just rock out to good music for a couple hours.  And believe me, they are VERY good live.  I didn't know what to expect since I've seen a few shows where the live performance has been...underwhelming.  But Biffy does not disappoint.  They can really sing, they can really play their instruments, and they're every bit as amazing (and more) as their albums make them sound.  

If only more people would bother to stop and give them a listen instead of feeding exorbitant amounts of money to the likes of Lady Gaga or Lil' Wayne when there are clearly OTHER artists in OTHER genres who also have something to say in the world of music.  There are only so many "remix-able" party songs - does nobody get tired of listening to the same mundane beats and lyrics over and over and OVER again?  Why do we continue to support people we love to hate when there are plenty of brilliant and lovely people who we don't hate who just seem to go under the radar without getting the appreciation and attention they deserve? 

l-r: Simon, Ben, James (from http://static.tumblr.com/ouzs7fr/g6Elpklrq/biffy_clyro_2800623879_5e56ea84c9_o.jpg)

Mind you, Biffy Clyro is quickly becoming part of the mainstream music world but until 2007 with the release of their album Puzzle, they were virtually unknown outside of their native Scotland.  They have a small and dedicated cult following between the United States and the United Kingdom but they have yet to get the full recognition they deserve.  Check them out!  You won't be disappointed!

Mon the Biffy!

P.S. Here's "Living Is A Problem" from Biffy Clyro's official youtube channel. Enjoy!