Simon Neil (vocals, guitar), James Johnston (bass, vocals) and Ben Johnston (drums, vocals) began Biffy Clyro in 2002 and have since released four studio albums; most notably 2007’s ‘Puzzle’.
The three Scotts stroll in, scruffy beards and charming accents, guitars on back. Humble under their bush facial hair, the gentlemen take their places in the dimly lit violet set, and speak politely to our audience as they check their sound.
Suddenly the talented trio become serious; Simon Neil’s voice silencing the room as he harmoniously whispers the opening lyrics to their hit song ‘Mountains’ over his acoustic guitar.
MTV stops still for Biffy Clyro and their harmonic progression. ‘Mountains’ is suddenly folksy, soft and unbelievably clear. The three men perform the song so perfectly it almost sounds pre-recorded.
Mountains
continues to be faultless. Biffy Clyro’s sound is so perfectly peaceful that when the song draws to an end, the audience almost groans with genuine conviction, everyone returns to earth and Biffy thanks us kindly just for being there.
And If MTV weren’t lucky enough already, we were pleasured with a cover of R&B sensation Rihanna’s colossal hit Umbrella
.
“We chose this song because we’re hoping that some of Rihanna’s sexuality will brush off on us… Fingers crossed,” says Neil says cheekily.
He then goes on to say that Umbrella
, "is the best song of the last decade, aside from ours" laughing with boyish charm.
Biffy slows the arrangement down for the acoustic version of the hit song, the successful beat present throughout the calm cord progression and three-way melodic vocals.
This has to be the most covered song of the decade, that’s for sure, though Biffy Clyro’s Scottish charm seems to reinvent the chart topper into serene and tranquil composition.
Well it’s clear that Biffy Clyro can stand under MTV’s Um-ber-ella-ella-ella any time and we thank them kindly for the spiritual backstage performance.
We here at MTV think everyone should witness the magic of these Scottish lads. You can catch Biffy Clyro on their current Australian Tour and taste the enchantment for yourself.
Copyright : MTV Australia
