Biffy Clyro

In celebration of their new album release “Opposites” and in aid of the War Child charity, the Scottish trio put ON their shirts and took to a candlelit stage at London’s Borderline to the delight of a room full of XFM competition winning fans.

Jumping between b-sides, hits and new tracks, the simple balance of guitar and mini drums allowed the usual energetic stage bouncing Biffy Clyro to show off their softer side. Smashing riffs were replaced with sweetly subtle string strumming, screams with lush “ooo’s” and romantic “aahh’s”; reminding that rock doesn’t have to lack soul. Tracks like ‘Machines’ revelled in the night’s simplicity; whilst the customary thumping upbeat thrum of new album tracks ‘Stinging Belle’ and ‘Black Chandelier’ lost nothing in the lack of electric; with pounding chords and a smiling Biffy, who were clearly enjoying the night.

More telling was the band’s clear vulnerability in stripping back their guitar heavy rock to something a lot more gentle and less earth shuddering. Their endearing glances between tracks and rye smiles during, only added to their likeability. Biffy are clearly a band on the top of their game but it most certainly hasn’t gone to their heads. The evening away from their natural sound opened a wonderfully revealing door, displaying Simon Neil’s ability as a charismatic lead as well his powerfully emotive song writing skills.

The well overplayed ‘Mountains’ felt fresh and original, giving Biffy a chance to reclaim their track made annoyingly famous by the X Factor’s Matt Cardle. Similarly, b-side ‘The Rain’ hammered home Biffy Clyro’s strength in heartfelt lyrics and ever intriguing depth. But it was the title track from their latest album ‘Opposites’ that stole the evening’s crown. As Neil’s smooth strums and Scottish vocals wistfully paired to sing “Baby, I’m leaving here, you need to be with somebody else”, hearts and smiles were breaking hand in hand to cap off a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Borderline.

Mon the Biffy. Mon the Biffy, indeed!