Biffy, as they are often referred to, utilise a quiet/loud dynamic, constructing songs that can range from a whisper-quiet pick on the guitar, to huge walls of noise with massive distortion and crashing drums. Their sound has simplified somewhat in recent times yet still occasionally contains complex time signatures and heavy riffs. While Simon Neil sings lead, all three members provide vocals. "'Mon the Biffy!" is a well known chant amongst Biffy fans; it is usually shouted in between songs at gigs, or before the band come on stage. Some fans have reacted poorly to the band's recent output.
The first incarnation of what would eventually become Biffy Clyro was formed in 1995 by fifteen-year-old Irvine-born, Ayr-raised guitarist Simon Neil, who recruited Kilmarnock-born Ben Johnston and someone known only as Barry on drums and bass respectively, calling themselves Screwfish. Barry was soon replaced by James Johnston, Ben's twin brother, and the three spent the next two years rehearsing, writing and covering songs. In 1997, they played their first gig as the support for a band called Pink Kross at a local youth centre. The trio then moved to Glasgow, where Neil went to the University of Glasgow and the Johnston twins went to Stow College, studying Electronics with Music and Audio Engineering respectively.They then progressed onto the bigger stage
After playing gigs around Glasgow and receiving positive and enthusiastic reactions from the audiences, the band were spotted by Dee Bahl, who soon became their manager. Bahl offered them a chance to release an independent single on Aereogramme's Babi Yaga record label. "Iname" was released on 28 June 1999, and led to the band being chosen by Stow College's Electric Honey record label to release a record. thekidswhopoptodaywillrocktomorrow... was released on 13 June 2000, and after hearing it, BBC Radio Scotland DJ Vic Galloway gave the band airplay. A few days prior to the release of thekidswho..., the band were spotted at the Unsigned Bands stage at T in the Park 2000 by a Beggars Banquet representative. Soon after, the band was signed to the independent Beggar's Banquet, and on 30 October 2000, they re-recorded and released the single, "27", which became Kerrang!'s Single Of The Week.
On 1 October 2001, one of the songs from thekidswho... was re-recorded and released as a single, "Justboy". This was repeated on 4 February 2002, when the song "57" was released. On 11 March, the band's debut album, Blackened Sky, was released to generally positive reviews. It was around this time that the band began touring extensively, including being the support for Weezer on 20 March at the Barrowlands in Glasgow. On 15 July, the fourth single from the album, "Joy.Discovery.Invention" was released as a double A-side with a newly recorded song, entitled "Toys, Toys, Toys, Choke, Toys, Toys, Toys", which later appeared on The Vertigo of Bliss.
In 2003, the band retreated to the Linford Manor recording studio in Great Linford, Milton Keynes, England to record the follow-up to Blackened Sky. On 24 March, a new single was released entitled, "The Ideal Height", followed by another new single entitled "Questions and Answers" on 28 May. The band's second album, The Vertigo of Bliss was released on 16 June, to positive reviews, which focused on the more experimental style of the album in comparison to Blackened Sky, as well as the introduction of string sections.
In 2004, after touring relentlessly for The Vertigo of Bliss, the band retreated to Monnow Valley Studios in Monmouth, Wales to record a follow-up. As with the previous album, two singles were released before the actual album; "Glitter and Trauma" and "My Recovery Injection" on 9 August and 20 September, respectively. A digital download was also released; "There's No Such Thing As A Jaggy Snake", on 31 May. On 4 October, the band's third album, Infinity Land was released, and on 14 February 2005, the last single from the album, "Only One Word Comes To Mind" was released. On 16 February, the band performed a cover of Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" live from Maida Vale on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show. Simon Neil's side project, Marmaduke Duke, also released an album in 2005, The Magnificent Duke, and toured the UK, along with the Johnston twins accompanying on bass and drums, for it.
In 2006, Biffy Clyro left Beggars Banquet and signed a deal with 14th Floor, an offshoot of Warner Bros. In June, the band contributed a cover of Weezer's "Buddy Holly" to Kerrang!'s High Voltage!: A Brief History of Rock, which came free with Issue #1110 of the magazine. In September, the band moved temporarily to Canada to record their fourth album at The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, and The Farm Studio in Gibsons, which they finished doing in November. The song "Semi-Mental" was released as a digital download on 25 December. In 2007, the song "Saturday Superhouse" was released on 14 May, where it reached #13 on the UK Singles Chart; the band's highest single chart position to date. On 14 May, the song "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies" was released, reaching #19 on the UK Singles Charts. On 21 May, Biffy were confirmed for T in the Park 2007, as well as being announced as one of the support bands for the 17 June gig at the new Wembley Stadium for Muse. On 1 June, Biffy were confirmed for Glastonbury 2007. On 4 June, Puzzle was released to critical acclaim, and eventually helped the band to reach their highest UK Albums Chart position ever, reaching #2 in the first week of release. On 6 June it was announced that Biffy were to support The Who at Marlay Park in Ireland. On 12 June, it was announced that "Folding Stars" was released as a single on July 16. On the 23rd of August 2007, Biffy Clyro were announced as the support act for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at Hampden Stadium in Glasgow, for the Stadium Arcadium tour.
All The Way Down
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Taking part's what counts, but you are not around
Never understand my goals for you
Looking back, seems that everyone in my life
I will be waiting for you
I will be waiting for you
Never understand my hopes for you
Sleeveless and miniature
Monster overture
Never be complete unless you know
Looking back, seems that everyone in my life
Will be waiting for me
I will be waiting for you
Until the evidence conveys another side
Have you found your way home?
Have you found your way?
Have you found your way home?
Have you found your way?
(Chapter 1)
I feel wonderous, controlling me seems like a good idea
I'll do my best to uphold you, but I know that in the night
Ever wondered if it's forever
The moment passes, but I feel you now
I feel wonderous and holy and I know it's all right
I'll do my best to uphold you, but I know that in the night
Ever wondered if it's forever
The moment passes, but I feel you now
All the way down
All the way down
All the way down (repeat through)
So I'll try not to breathe as I hold my head still
The light bends on my face, there'd be tears if i cried
And I'll try not to think what the happy things were
I'll just think of the stuff that just made me shit scared
And I'll just close my eyes and I'll see everyone
That I'm leaving behind for the dawn of the sun
And I'll try not to feel, yes I'll try not to feel
I'll try not to feel on the way down
The song, All the Way Down: Prologue Chapter 1, by Biffy Clyro, may seem like a simple song, but it's a complex mix of emotions and thoughts. The prologue starts off with the idea that "taking part's what counts, but you are not around." This is a classic example of trying to enjoy something, but it feeling empty because the person you want to share it with isn't present. The phrase "never understand my goals for you" highlights the frustration of that situation, even if it's just a small one, and the hope that someday, evidence may show another side to things. It's a cry out for understanding from the other person, which may be interpreted as a wish for mutual love, support, and goals.
In contrast, the first chapter feels like a reflection on something that has already passed. The idea of feeling "wonderous and holy" feels like a fleeting emotion, one that may not last long but is powerful. This feeling is something people try to hold on to, even if temporary, which may explain the phrase "I'll do my best to uphold you, but I know that in the night." It's a reflection on trying to keep something going but knowing deep down that it may slip away in the darkness of the night. The repeated phrase "all the way down" feels like a descent to earth from that elated feeling. The last verse in the chapter is a poignant description of what it feels like to leave something behind, trying not to feel the happier moments, but instead focusing on the fear and dread of leaving.
Line by Line Meaning
Taking part's what counts, but you are not around
The act of participating is important, but it is unfortunate that you are not present to witness it
Never understand my goals for you
You have never comprehended my aspirations for you
Looking back, seems that everyone in my life
Reflecting back, it appears that everyone in my life
I will be waiting for you
I will patiently await your return
Until the evidence conveys another side
Unless proven otherwise by established facts
Never understand my hopes for you
Your failure to grasp my wishes for you continues
Sleeveless and miniature
Without sleeves and small in size
Monster overture
Preceding composition displaying characteristics of a monster
Never be complete unless you know
You will never become whole unless you become aware of something
Will be waiting for me
They will be waiting for me
Have you found your way home?
Have you successfully returned to your place of belonging?
Have you found your way?
Have you discovered your path?
I feel wonderous, controlling me seems like a good idea
I am experiencing a sense of amazement, and exerting power over me may appear appealing
I'll do my best to uphold you, but I know that in the night
I will try my hardest to support you, but I am aware that in the dark
Ever wondered if it's forever
Have you ever thought about whether it will last forever?
The moment passes, but I feel you now
Though the moment has ended, I still sense your presence
All the way down
Descending completely
So I'll try not to breathe as I hold my head still
I will attempt not to inhale as I keep my head motionless
The light bends on my face, there'd be tears if i cried
The illumination encompasses my face, and tears would emerge if I were to cry
And I'll try not to think what the happy things were
I will make an effort to not recollect or contemplate the happy memories
I'll just think of the stuff that just made me shit scared
I will simply focus on what made me terribly frightened
And I'll just close my eyes and I'll see everyone
I will merely shut my eyes and picture everyone
That I'm leaving behind for the dawn of the sun
Whom I will leave behind as the sun rises
And I'll try not to feel, yes I'll try not to feel
I will endeavor to not experience any emotions
I'll try not to feel on the way down
I will strive to suppress any emotions during my descent
Contributed by Jackson G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tony Escobar
Beautiful performance!! Wish they would play this song more often.
Cynicayke
I love old and new Biffy albums alike, but Vertigo will always be my favourite.
Filip VC
Same
Andrew Cunningham
God I love this song... Such a shame that Biffy have too many great tracks now to play them all. We need another 4-nighter at king tuts!
Oleg Berezhnoy
rowing team is amazing in this one! :)
Bo2 FS Grado
Breathtaking.
Dan McLeod
Best Biffy tune
neilomac
Weird seeing Simon with a Gibson.
Sabina Kazanowska
💙I love them so much
McQueen Jezzy
Kár hogy az elsÅ‘ albumról nem volt semmi. ElÅ‘ször mikor itt voltak ment a 57. De ezen most nagyon meglepÅ‘dtem. Ha jól emlékszem sÃrtam is. 😊😫