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.
Modern Magic Formula
Biffy Clyro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me sing my song
Or I'm gonna freak out freak out
Become a dominator
A violator
You can't give it all that it needs
You can't give it all that it needs
You can't give it all that it needs
You can't give it all that it needs
All we need is
Magic formula
A whole new backbone
Is what we're looking for
So you wanted to change the world
But I didn't believe you
That's why we'll say goodbye to good old days son
I'm trying the best I can
But there's a white flag burning in the middle of our hands
I'm tired of being exposed
And I don't know how much more of this I can stand
Hey heaven's whore
Let me sing my song
A cranial freak out freak out
Freak out freak out...
You can't give it all that it needs
You can't give it all that it needs
You can't give it all that it needs
You can't give it all that it needs
All we need is
Magic formula
A whole new backbone
Is what we're looking for
So you wanted to change the world
But I didn't believe you
That's why we'll say goodbye to good old days son
I'm trying the best I can
But there's a white flag burning in the middle of our hands
I'm tired of being exposed
And I don't know how much more of this I can stand
I'm trying the best I can
But there's a white flag burning in the middle of my hand
I'm tired of being exposed
And I don't know how much more of this I can stand
In "Modern Magic Formula," Biffy Clyro seem to be singing about the struggle to create change and progress while feeling overwhelmed and powerless. The opening lines address a "little man" who may represent society or an individual, and the singer warns that without a solution to their problems, they may become a "dominator" or "violator." This could reference the darker aspects of human nature that emerge in times of frustration and desperation.
The repeated refrain of "You can't give it all that it needs" suggests a sense of futility or exhaustion in trying to fix systemic issues. However, the band still holds out hope for a "magic formula" or "whole new backbone" that will allow them to make meaningful change. The line "So you wanted to change the world, but I didn't believe you" could be read as a nod to the typical idealism of youth and how it can be hard to maintain amidst cynicism and disappointment.
In the second half of the song, Biffy Clyro address "heaven's whore," who may represent a corrupt or uncaring deity, and continue to express their frustration with their lack of progress. The line "But there's a white flag burning in the middle of our hands" suggests a willingness to surrender or give up, but the band members remain committed to trying their best despite feeling "exposed" and uncertain.
Overall, "Modern Magic Formula" explores the tension between idealism and reality, and the struggle to maintain hope and determination in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey little man
Addressing someone who is small or insignificant
Let me sing my song
Allowing oneself to express through music
Or I'm gonna freak out freak out
A warning of being overwhelmed with emotions
Become a dominator
Taking control and overpowering
A violator
Going against what is right or violating boundaries
You can't give it all that it needs
Not capable of providing everything required
All we need is
Focusing on the essential things
Magic formula
An unknown element that can solve all problems
A whole new backbone
A fresh foundation or support system
Is what we're looking for
Desiring something different or improved
So you wanted to change the world
A desire for making an impact on the world
But I didn't believe you
Doubting the ability to make such a change
That's why we'll say goodbye to good old days son
Saying farewell to the past or familiar ways
I'm trying the best I can
Putting in effort despite challenges
But there's a white flag burning in the middle of our hands
Surrendering to defeat or giving up
I'm tired of being exposed
Feeling vulnerable and exposed
And I don't know how much more of this I can stand
Feeling overwhelmed or defeated in a situation
Hey heaven's whore
Addressing someone who is considered unworthy or immoral
A cranial freak out freak out
A mental breakdown or freak-out
Freak out freak out...
Emphasizing the feeling of being overwhelmed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sierra Nevada
I'm tired of being exposed and I don't know how much more of this I can stand 💙
Jobey Lundrigan 37
@TaranLoses same
TaranLoses
I read that comment as the video was saying it
Fathead / FH
This and Accident Without Emergency are my favourite songs off of Opposites. Outstanding stuff.
TaranLoses
This song's the reason I know the band. It'll always be one of my favourites.
MR YTC
Back when nhl had killer soundtracks
ImNotBalake
2:27 that gives me shivers every time 🥶
jack mcewen
this song is still one of my favourites
Lazy Sheff
Best song on this album full.
KumiPeruna
2:53 i love this comeback ❤