Review: Dan Maynard
Our favourite Scottish trio, the almighty Biffy Clyro, are set to release their tenth (eleventh if you include their lesser known and highly underrated soundtrack for Balance, Not Symmetry) album titled Futique. This is an album that, as you’ll come to see over the course of this review, is special in its own right while sitting perfectly in line with the Biffy lineage.
After four long years of little more than a handful of tours across Europe and the UK, June saw the band release their first single A Little Love from the forthcoming album Futique. The track radiates happiness and commitment, while its lyrics express pain alongside the hope of finding the true meaning of love. This theme runs consistently throughout the album and cements the overall tone beautifully.
Following second in line is Hunting Season, the next single released ahead of the album. Hunting Season leans towards the heavier side of Biffy’s earlier albums. With that signature guitar tone from vocalist Simon Neil, paired with his forceful picking style in the riffs, Neil and bassist James Johnston create a raw intensity without relying on gain-heavy distortion. They simply hit the strings like they’ve got a score to settle, producing a biting, clear tone that cuts perfectly.
Shot One is up next. It could easily slot into any of the last three albums. It’s more clean-cut but still firmly set in the Biffy Clyro universe. Built on a dramatic melody, it creates a different kind of atmosphere, offering a quick sidestep from the opening tracks. By the time you’ve made it through these first three songs, you’ve got a solid grasp of the record’s direction, each track teasing different shades of what’s to come across the eleven-track journey.
From here on, it’s full steam ahead. There’s so much to unpack that I couldn’t possibly do it justice in a short review. Any Biffy fan knows a Biffy Clyro album is always layered, full of surprises, and never repeats itself. Futique is no exception.
After countless listens, my biggest takeaway is that this feels like Simon’s most personal album lyrically. For the first time, he seems to have abandoned many of the analogies and playful word games that usually form the backbone of his writing.
The lyrics come across as strikingly direct. The album is painful, aching, and unashamedly emotional. That’s not to say earlier albums weren’t emotional too, but the stripped-back writing style makes the vulnerability here impossible to miss. Whether this was a conscious decision, only the band could answer, but I’d love the chance to ask Simon someday, because it’s easily been my strongest impression of Futique.
I won’t spend too much time breaking down each individual track. Normally I’d guide readers through more of an album’s setlist, but this isn’t the record for that. It’s better to take what I’ve said so far and let your imagination prepare you for the experience.
You need to go into Futique with an open mind, because it truly is unique in its own right. Don’t expect the heaviest Biffy Clyro record. Don’t expect an endless barrage of “what the fuck” moments (though when they do land, they’re chef’s kiss). What Simon, Ben, and James have crafted here lyrically, sonically, and tonally is something genuinely inspiring. Even if you strip away the words and focus solely on the production, there’s always something new to discover.
Some listeners will fall in love with Futique instantly. Others might need a few spins to really let it sink in. I’ve been a massive Biffy fan ever since I first heard Saturday Superhouse back in 2008, and I’ve learned not to expect anything specific from a new release. But after all my listens over the past month, this record has carved out a special place in my heart, and I love every moment of it.
I don’t know what else to say without giving too much away. But really, is there any better way to close a Biffy Clyro review than with the following statement?
MON THE BIFF!
Futique’ is out on Friday 26 September and is now available to pre-order / pre-save HERE. A limited first pressing LP is available for the next 48 hours only, pressed on recycled black vinyl and housed in a hand-stamped and hand-numbered white disco bag. The band’s official store offers three exclusive products: a deluxe black and red corona vinyl with a signed print, all packaged in a die-cut sleeve; a CD and zine package; and a red cassette.
