IN REVIEW: Biffy Clyro - "A Celebration of Endings"

 

Absolutely massive in Europe and criminally underrated in North America. Such is the continuing narrative for Scottish genre-hopping stadium rockers Biffy Clyro, and their eighth official album (ninth if you count last year's scattershot soundtrack Balance, Not Symmetry, which most outlets are wont to do despite A Celebration of Endings being given the working title Opus 8 during production) isn't likely to change that momentum on either side of the Atlantic.

If anything, the more accessible and pop-leaning tendencies that started coming more to the forefront over the past few albums have been clawed back with only a couple of exceptions. Instead, Biffy Clyro seem to have recaptured some of the adventurous, unpredictable spirit that set them apart from the legions of post-grunge/indie also-rans during their slow and steady rise. Sure, there are reminders that they've developed a knack for big hooks, most notably on lead single/red herring Instant History and current single Space, the latter of which being one of this year's biggest and best ballads. However, more often than not, we're treated to sudden shifts in mood and tempo; even in the album's most straightforward moments, there are quirks skirting the edges, the threat of a song's complete overhaul always lurking.

Overall, A Celebration of Endings doesn't recall any single Biffy period too vividly; the swings aren't as wild as some of their early work, nor does it pack the same emotional weight as their mid-period, nor are its pop moments as glossy and obvious as they were on Ellipsis. Instead, what we get is a distillation of everything this band does best, a record that holds as many twists and turns as it does huge, stadium-shaking singles.

August 14, 2020 • 14th Floor/Warner

Highlights Tiny Indoor Fireworks • End of • Cop Syrup