BIFFY CLYRO

WITH THEIR 10TH ALBUM, 'FUTIQUE', BIFFY CLYRO REMIND US EXACTLY WHY THEY ARE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ROCK BANDS OF THE MODERN AGE...

- Words Amit Sharma Photography Phil Barker

In their three decades of playing together, Kilmarnock trio Biffy Clyro have become one of the most cutting-edge and far-reaching rock acts of their generation, blessed with an ability to write stadium-conquering anthems that thrill and mesmerise in equal measure. Their Strat-wielding frontman, Simon Neil, is someone who understands the power of the riff, as well as the importance of the musical information above it - with a proven track record for striking a perfect balance between intensity and melody.

On this year's 10th full-length album, Futique, it's noted how the group still finds new ways to stretch that formula and experiment with the equation, dazzling and surprising us without ever running the risk of losing their identity. Early singles such as A Little Love, Hunting Season and True Believer have a familiarity that would convince any listener that these tracks have existed for years and years. In fact, the same could be said for the album as a whole.

Working with producer Jonathan Gilmore for the very first time also allowed Simon to spread his wings and innovate, moving away from the classic trio format to embrace more layers and orchestration. When you're building music, the singer/guitarist explains, there's a point where it can all “start to shrink”, so it’s best to handle grand designs and high ambitions with great care...

Simon, you've always been a Strat man. What is it about the original double-cutaway that does it for you?