Biffy Clyro are basically a UK national treasure at this point and a worthy one too. They spent their first several years as post-hardcore/math-rock weirdos across albums like 'Vertigo Bliss' and 'Infinity Land', whereas records like 2007's 'Puzzle' and 2009's 'Only Revelations' saw the group achieve melodic rock perfection but still with the bite of their early days. All these ingredients make for a band which can play to masses of people and yet deliver a fierce sincerity to every single member of the audience. Tonight's performance at Leeds' First Direct Arena is no different as they hit the stage in support of their newest album 'Ellipsis.'
Emo heroes Brand New get things started tonight with a primal set that makes this arena setting feel like a basement show in how they savagely press guitars against amps for scratchy feedback, mosh pits get going and the bitter, miserable nature of Brand New's material. Playing a 'The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Of Me' heavy set, with songs as emotional and raw as 'Jesus' and 'Sowing Season' it's pretty easy for Brand New to build a strong connection with the audience. They're a band worthy of headlining places like this and whilst they're playing, it really feels like it's their own gig.
Speaking of primal, despite all the success, the gloss of their monolithic stage show, Biffy Clyro are purely animalistic when it comes to their performance. It's rare across the two hours they play for tonight, that frontman Simon Neil isn't headbanging, jerking limbs or thrashing at his guitar. Ben Johnston is a beast on the kit, hitting each beat with impenetrable muscle and his bassist twin, James Johnston, will constantly be skipping around and stomping with Neil. All of this amongst colossal, colour-changing rectangles and dazzling lasers. Visually this show is never anything less than stunning.
Continue reading: Biffy Clyro - Leeds First Direct Arena, 4th December 2016 - Live Review