BIFFY CLYRO HOWLS AT IRVING PLAZA

Metal, metal, metal was the theme of the night at Irving Plaza last week as Biffy Clyro and O’Brother brought the ethereal, moody, and even melodious to a sold out crowd. First up was the droning soundscapes of Altanta based O’Brother. Yes, the band has that thunderous metal aura about them, but they draw more from the post-rock vibes present in acts like Explosions in the Sky or Talk Demonic. The band presents themselves shrouded in mystery – all backlit and very little on-stage movement (outside of some wild hair flipping and back bending by guitarists Johnny Dang and Jordan McGhin). Tanner Merritt brings a pretty exquisite set of vocals that range from the ephemeral to the howl. O’Brother’s genre traversing style seemed to burrow under the crowd’s skin, and it looks like it’s going to stay there for the foreseeable future.

O’Brother

Next up was a band that’s been around since the 90s and as my friend, told me, are huge in their native Scotland, Biffy Clyro (Or as the fans more affectionately know them: “Biffy Fuckin’ Clyro!”) playing their largest NYC venue so far. Biffy Clyro are a blend of metal, post-punk, and yes, even power-pop because they bring the melody in full force to accompany frontman Simon Neil’s full throated howls.

Biffy Clyro

BC

On stage Neil and bassist James Johnston are two consummate showmen, flashing big grins and hair flips galore. The two of them and drummer Ben Johnston all forgo shirts, preferring to let the audience take in their myriad of tattoos – and let’s face it, the sweat those three worked up over the course of their 21-song set would’ve evaporated any fabrics laid upon their chests.

Biffy Clyro

BC

Biffy Clyro may not be household names on this side of the pond, but after that night at Irving Plaza, you can only think it won’t be long before they are. The trio had the head banging crowd in their thrall from the moment they took the stage until the room was just a mix of fog, sweat, and smiles.