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.
Cracker
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let them row, let them row, let them row
Cut out their tongues and tell them a cracker
Smile, smile, smile
Happy, I will never be happy
I will never be...
Turn on the air, I am not a sinner
Row, let them row, let them row
I fell up sunny, I know I’m a winner
Let them row, let them row, let them row
Happy, I will never be happy
I will never be happy
I will never be happy
I will never be...
Face the truth, it’s better than false
Row
Face the truth, It’s better than false
Row
Biffy Clyro's "Cracker" is a song that seems to explore themes of religious guilt and self-punishment. The lyrics are full of dark and violent imagery that creates a sense of unease and discomfort. The repetition of the phrase "let them row" throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder of the futility of life and the constant struggle to find meaning in it.
The first verse seems to describe the singer's desire to punish sinners and find entertainment in their suffering. The line "cut out their tongues and tell them a cracker" suggests a desire to silence those who speak out against the singer's beliefs, and replace their words with something meaningless and absurd.
The chorus is a poignant declaration of the singer's inability to find happiness in life. Despite the violence and cruelty they express in the verses, there is a sense of desperation and despair that underscores the entire song. The repeated phrase "I will never be happy" is a powerful statement of existential angst and emotional turmoil.
The second verse introduces a new layer of meaning to the song. The line "turn on the air, I am not a sinner" suggests a desire to clear one's conscience and find peace in the face of guilt and shame. The singer's assertion that they are a winner despite this suggests a willingness to confront their own flaws and accept themselves for who they are, even if they are not perfect.
The repeated phrase "face the truth, it's better than false" serves as a kind of mantra for the singer, a reminder that honesty and self-awareness are essential to living a meaningful life. The final repetition of "row" suggests that the struggle continues, that there is no end to the journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.
Overall, "Cracker" is a powerful and unsettling song that explores some of the deepest and most challenging aspects of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m begging to sit on the sinners and laugh
I long to witness sinners and laugh at their expense
Let them row, let them row, let them row
Allow sinners to bear the burden of their actions
Cut out their tongues and tell them a cracker
Mute sinners and deceive them with flattery
Smile, smile, smile
Display a facade of contentment
Happy, I will never be happy
I am incapable of genuine joy
Turn on the air, I am not a sinner
Attempt to cleanse oneself of guilt through physical means
I fell up sunny, I know I’m a winner
Maintain a positive outlook and confidence despite struggles
Face the truth, it’s better than false
Confront reality rather than living in denial
Row
Persist and persevere
I will never be happy
My emotional state will never be fully content
I will never be happy
My emotional state will never be fully content
I will never be happy
My emotional state will never be fully content
Face the truth, It’s better than false
Confront reality rather than living in denial
Row
Persist and persevere
Contributed by Violet L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.