Gig review: Biffy Clyro, SECC, Glasgow

IT’S been, as singer Simon Neil helpfully informed us, two-and- a-half years since Biffy Clyro last played Glasgow, and in that time it feels as though they’ve progressed from being one of the biggest rock bands in the country to a group poised on the verge of genuine megastardom.

Biffy Clyro

SECC, Glasgow

****

This year’s Opposites has proved their biggest step yet, both their first UK No1 album and a risky leap into diverse styles and a more overtly commercial sound over two records.

While the highs and lows of the album are there to be pored over another time, the live arena is quite clearly where its deficiencies become ringing positives.

The show was long (around two hours), its Opposites-culled diversity leavening the traditionally dull spaces devoted to new album filler amid the megahits (the textured, African-styled guitars of Spanish Radio, for example, or the winning glam stomp of Picture a Knife Fight), and its unashamed targeting at as wide a fanbase as possible made for a joyous, unifying experience.

They’re still three skinny, tattooed blokes from Kilmarnock with their tops off, displaying an undoubted energy and passion during signature singalong hits Many of Horror, The Captain and Mountains, Neil’s acoustic, blue-lit solo on Machines and the thundering space-metal of The Thaw.

On the other hand, the elaborate, tree-like stage set suggests they’re not afraid to cede to the demands of such a mainstream arena.

David Pollock