Accompanied by a string quartet, Biffy Clyro sauntered on to the stage to an unbelievable crowd response. It was the kind of cheer you expect at the end of a gig when the crowd are baying for more.

Image copyright:  Adrian Brown - http://www.clearimagephotography.co.uk/

They opened with living is a Problem Because Everything Dies, a song that could only ever be an opener, which smacked you in the chest and left you in no doubt about the power they would emit from the stage. Saturday Powerhouse, A whole Child Ago and Get Fucked Stud quickly followed with barely a blink between each song.

From the outset the band were deep into their music, not so much performing it but basking in its brilliance.  Don’t get me wrong, they weren’t coming over all “look at me, I’m amazing” they were just so into it that you knew just how passionate they are about what they do.

Accompanied by just a cellist, Simon Neil calmed proceedings mid set with acoustic renditions of Folding Stars and Machines displaying a melodic and soulful side that was good hear.

The full band returned, bringing the tempo back up to speed with Glitter and Trauma from the 2004 album Infinity Land and the melodic shuffle, Justboy, from Blackened Sky. Biffy are seen by some as a new band since songs from the latest album, Puzzle, have secured them regular airplay on Radio 1 but the fans here were clearly staunch and loyal.

As the band moved in to songs from earlier albums like Joy Discovery Invention, 27, Convex-Concave and Justboy, and rounded up the set with Mountains, the crowed continued their backing vocals throughout with just the same enthusiasm.

Returning to the stage amidst a riotous ovation, we were treated to an encore of four more songs: Now I’m Everyone (a personal favourite), As Dust Dances and 57 with Now the Action is on Fire, building to a stunning climax and seeing Simon Neil exiting the stage via the speaker stack.

Biffy Clyro are one of the best rock bands the country has seen for quite some time and one of the best live acts too. Roll on the next album!

www.biffyclyro.com/
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