Biffy Clyro shake the Hifi

Tuesday, May 18

Words: Leah Holdsworth
Pictures: Kate Scantleton

The crowd was rowdy, the drinks were flowing, and the Hi Fi was surely in a ruckus state.

It was time for the Biff to hit.

Montpelier (pictured above), a local Brisbane band, played superbly as the opening act. Their songs were refreshing and soulful, the melodies sweet and harmonic. Comparisons to Arcade Fire and Death Cab for Cutie were easily made, as Montpelier’s performance balanced pop with indie rock wonderfully. The boys were dressed slickly, and with an equally slick stage presence, they will be a band to watch out for in the years to come.

Raw rock and roll soon followed as Biffy Clyro scampered onto the stage. A band of scruffy Scots with tattoos aplenty, Biffy Clyro lived up to their reputation as talented hooligans. Guitars, bass, and drums were played frantically and heavily, the voice of lead singer Simon Neil melodic and captivating.

The crowd loved it and with every song, the chants were  getting louder and the moshing heavier. With a notably larger crowd than their previous Brisbane gig last year at the Arena (may it rest in peace), it is great to see their prevelantly unique, hard rock is building a larger fanbase. Much of this new popularity might be seen to come down to their recent release, Only Revolutions, which has been receiving much buzz since it’s release earlier this year.

A potent mix of Scottish expats, diehard fans, as well as newly acquainted wide-eyed fans, the evening was enjoyable for its enlivening atmosphere as well as its equally enlivening display of music prowess.