22 songs, and 78 minutes long, ‘Opposites’
sounds like a daunting task. Biffy Clyro have decided to take on the poisoned
chalice of the double album - a risky move. Succeed, and it shows a band with
impressive variety and talent. Fail, and it’s a nail in the coffin of a
self-indulgent band. And it must be said that, apart from The Beatles’ ‘White
Album’, many have tried and failed to thrive in this format. So, have the Biff
succeeded or failed? Actually, they’ve succeeded.
‘Opposites’ sees the former cult favourites
continue their transition to stadium-dominating rockers, and they use the
double-record format to their advantage. Yes, you’ve got the ‘Many Of
Horror’-esque chart-toppers here, but there are also some nods to the
left-field alt-rock of their past, and a couple of experimental turns that
delight instead of despair the listener.
An overbearing proposition at first,
‘Opposites’ eases into gear with the part string-laden, part fast-tempo opener
‘Different People’ and the stadium-ready single ‘Black Chandelier’. The
majority of the record follows this with a multitude of soft-rock numbers that
the Foo Fighters have built their reputation on, with Biffy seemingly set to
follow. ‘Opposite’, the slightly heavier ‘The Joke’s On Us’ and the up-tempo ‘A
Girl And His Cat’ fit the category perfectly. ‘Biblical’ and ‘The Thaw’ are
both certain single choices; the former brilliantly epic as it’s name suggests,
the second touching, tenderly delivered and with ‘the secrets of the snow will always come out in the thaw’, the most
poignant lyric, complete with a typical Biffy rockout.
The second side flirts with an experimental
side, but still returns into their distinctive aggressive yet tight sound, and
here it is at its best. The raucous ‘Sounds Like Balloons’, the thunderous
‘Little Hospitals’ and fast-paced ‘Woo Woo’ topped just about by the
bagpipe-laden rocker ‘Stingin’ Belle’, but all act as reminders to the
unyielding power and taut musicianship that Simon Neil and Co. have with each
other. ‘Opposites’ strength lies in that; every song is well constructed,
bursting with creativity and purpose and entirely listenable, making it a
double album without any splurges of lacklustre filler.
Additionally, many music fans bemoan the
experimental moments in double albums, but in an odd twist, ‘Opposites’ ‘ best
moments may actually be these subversions. ‘Spanish Radio’ is a trumpet-led
funky number with a killer chorus and ‘The Fog’ sounds like a stormy theatrical
piece, but the best moment is the atmospheric, climbing symphony of ‘Skylight’,
which grows into an orchestral crescendo. Never thought you’d be saying that
about Biffy Clyro.
The classic ‘great single album, good double
album’ argument has its point here, but every song is well worth a listen.
‘Pocket’ is an upbeat American pop-rock song, ‘Victory Over The Sun’ starts
quietly but soon kicks in with a phenomenal riff and ‘Modern Magic Formula’ is
booming. Biffy are given the space to breathe with 22 tracks but don’t abuse
it; ‘Trumpet Or Tap’ is seductively subtle meeting a fuzz-laden chorus,
‘Accident Without Emergency’ is much like everything before and ‘Picture A
Knife Fight’ is a wonderfully upbeat closer. Phew.
It is a heavy listen and ‘Opposites’ sees Biffy
Clyro given the room to be quite self-indulgent, but isn’t that the point? The
double album sees the Scottish trio do all they can and set out a highly
impressive stall; a combination of upbeat radio anthems, their signature
alt-metal sound and a couple of excellent subversions, and it’s a joy to behold.
Why doesn’t every band make a double album?
So, a successful double album! Well done to Biff, and here's one of my favourite tracks, 'Biblical'. Enjoy.
NWR
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