 | | Biffy Clyro (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
Sometimes, all the elements that make a reasonable gig pull all their respective stops out and make for a great gig - Academy 2 provided exactly the right level of intimacy, whilst still having enough space for an exceptionally dedicated crowd; the sound was great; the backdrop and lights simple but striking; the band themselves brought an amazing yet totally unpretentious presence to the stage. Just three blokes, lots of hair, naked chests, passion, humility and bucket-loads of talent. No band is without influences and inferences of Guns and Roses, Pearl Jam, even Pink Floyd wander into the mix; however, their total sound is incomparable to anyone out there; a mammoth feat in today’s market of alt-rock knock-offs.  | | Biffy Clyro (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
They’ve got so many characteristics that set them apart from the crowd. One is their ability to add texture and colour to their songs by shaping them in an almost orchestral fashion. They’re brilliant at building massive, full-pelt crescendos that then drop right back down to really delicate finger-picked guitar patterns. Uncommonly and welcomely, when the dynamic does drop, the crowd doesn’t start to inanely whoop as if they’ve never heard silence before; they actually listen and appreciate the craftsmanship at work. It’s rare and somewhat special to be part of a crowd that can hum along to individual instrumental parts, as well as knowing all the lyrics.  | | Biffy Clyro (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
Some of the most captivating moments were when the vocal line was turned over to the audience and they sang it perfectly, really feeling the words, rather than just loutishly parroting them back. Biffy Clyro have put together a set of stunning, life-affirming songs that more than deserve the commitment and adulation of their fanbase. A support slot for Muse looms and, although there’s no doubt they’ll rise to the challenge of larger venues and larger crowds, they’re so good, that just like your last Rolo, you really don’t want to share them with anyone else. | 
