No.47 - ‘Only Revolutions’ by Biffy Clyro (2009)

“Well how’s your view of things today; Got up young to fade away; The sinners sin but aren’t aware; Our fables take us everywhere; I can’t keep up with you…I can’t keep up…”

I first heard ‘Saturday Superhouse’ by Biffy Clyro back in 2007 and, I must admit, wrote them off as just another Foo Fighters copy. But the releases following were, in my opinion, the most creative and energetic rock songs being played on UK radio at the time.

As a whole, the album is unpredictable as we are hit with a range of different sounding songs. There are no boundaries to their songwriting and riffs are surprising, yet pleasing to the ear. The Captain, Golden Rule, Bubbles, Born on A Horse and Mountains make up the first five songs and all are huge in sounds, beautiful in melody and unique to anything out there. With a good use of metaphor and hint of folklore to their lyrics, each song paints a different picture.

Only Revolutions contains some of their most widely played and best loved songs. Six of the songs were released as singles and the rest of the album is superb. Full of huge catchy, anthemic choruses, and superb guitar riffs. Simon Neil’s vocals are exceptional. Similarly to  No.94’s Twin Atlantic, I am very fond of the strong Scottish voice. Whilst my outlook on life differs to them in many ways, Biffy Clyro are instantly recognisable and ‘Only Revolutions’ is a fantastic album. They cite influences of Metallica, Nirvana, Rush and Foo Fighters, so if any of them are up your street, give it a listen.

Biffy Clyro formed in 1995, in Kilmarnock. Playing under the name ‘Screwfish’ the trio played youth centres before moving to Glasgow for university. After gaining a following and being brought under management, the Biff were spotted on the unsigned stage at ‘T in the Park’ festival, and the rest is history. The origins of their name remain a mystery and the band are known for making up stories. Only Revolutions hit No.3 in the UK chart and reached double platinum in sales. The vinyl also resides in my collection. 

Favourite songs - Bubbles, Mountains, Golden Rule, The Captain

Other great albums - Opposites (2013)






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