BIFFY CLYRO

Futique (Warner)

Ten albums in, one might be forgiven for thinking that Biffy Clyro might be approaching their time as a spent musical force. One listen to their new album proves this wrong. The Scottish rock heroes have outdone their recent work, with Futique feeling closer to classic Biffy than anything since 2013’s Opposites.

Opening with the grand A Little Love, no one can doubt that frontman Simon Neil has retained his penchant for writing big rock bangers – something reinforced with the likes of True Believer and Friendshipping. The album’s highlight is undoubtedly Woe Is Me, Wow Is You, an emotionally-charged anthem backed with dramatic strings which wouldn’t sound out of place on 2007’s Puzzle.

Recorded at Berlin’s historic Hansa Studios, this proved a fitting place for Biffy to record their finest work for over a decade. Special mention has to be given to twin-brother rhythm section James and Ben Johnston for working perfectly in sync to bring these songs to life. Futique is a very fine album indeed. 

words JOSHUA WILLIAMS