Biffy Clyro
The Vertigo Of Bliss

THE REVIEW

I have a particular attachment to Biffy Clyro. Not because they are particularly innovative or exceptionally talented. It's just that I was in the right place at the right time when I discovered them, that is, last year in their Glasgow, with the release of "Puzzle," the album that introduced them to the larger public (some will say commercialized, but that's a thorny issue I'd rather not get into).

The Scottish trio is heavily influenced by Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and healthy emo, genuine, à la Sunny Day Real Estate (if you know what I mean). And it shows. They take a bit from this, a bit from that, blend it all together, add a lot of energy, passion, and a good basic technique, and create in 2003 this "The Vertigo Of Bliss," for many the album that marked their maturation.

The aforementioned is an album, to be honest, too long, not so much for its duration, but for the number of tracks offered: thirteen in total, some perhaps forgettable and overshadowed by others far more worthy.

Nevertheless, there are several significant moments. "Bodies In Flight" kicks off with a rasping, shouted voice, accompanied by a buzzing, psychotic guitar. The song is a rollercoaster of rhythm, alternating more melodic parts (the guitar lines in the chorus are beautiful) with more syncopated and vibrant ones, where the band unleashes all their overflowing energy.

It's, in fact, their unpredictability that is the Scots' trademark. In a single track, they change attitude and sound multiple times, creating multifaceted tracks that don't bore but rather keep the listener in (pleasant) tension. In this light, the subsequent "The Ideal Height" should be viewed (its first minute is spectacular, guitar - drums create a surprisingly groovy blend, which gets slightly lost in the following verses only to recover later); also noteworthy are "A Day Of...", "Liberate The Illiterate" (with a more aggressive tempo), "Eradicate The Doubt", the shouted yet particularly engaging (and with a bizarre title) "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys", characterized by a break and subsequent emotionally intense and thrilling recovery, and the concluding "Now The Action Is On Fire!". This last track is slightly different from the others analyzed so far, combining energetic and boisterous moments with more relaxed, melodic, and symphonic ones, and then exploding into a finale of shining beauty. This piece acts as a diaphragm between the heavier component of the Scots and the more "sugary" one. The third "With Aplomb" and especially "Diary Of Always" are perfect exponents of Biffy's more intimate and misty vein, containing typical elements of a more melancholic and nostalgic emo. Special attention should be given to the latter of the two tracks mentioned above, a true gem.

In conclusion, does this "The Vertigo Of Bliss" deserve a listen (I won't say a purchase, as I'm well aware that it will largely be downloaded!!!)? Yes, I would say yes. It's not a masterpiece, but it is a true album, felt with the heart and made by three guys who are well aware of what they are doing. It doesn't introduce anything particularly innovative in the global music scene (I think the impact on the British scene, however, was far more booming), but what Biffy Clyro offers still feels fresh and innovative. A nice little record all in all then, enjoy the listening!