Biffy Clyro, O2 Arena - music review

The sight of three bare-chested Scotsmen is perhaps not everyone’s idea of a night out but Biffy Clyro had every right to make themselves comfortable: they took charge from the start with a big rock show that was anthemic and inventive.

There were the usual pyrotechnics, lasers and confetti storms and even separate ego ramps for frontman Simon Neil and bassist James Johnston, though it felt oddly intimate thanks to the Scots rockers’ formidable ability as a live unit, admittedly bolstered by a couple of musicians in the shadows.

Pummelling drums from Ben Johnston (James’s twin) and Neil’s churning riffs combined effectively on That Golden Rule, setting the tone for a heavy yet harmonious performance.

Remarkably, it became clear that they were just warming up as Neil demanded everyone get out of their seats for the stark, staccato introduction to Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies. In a marathon 26-song set, Biffy Clyro only really faltered on insubstantial acoustic ballads such as Machines.

There were welcome experimental flourishes on Spanish Radio and Skylight, though the band seemed to relish those songs — The Captain, Many of Horror, Mountains — that prompted mass singalongs. Having conquered arenas, stadiums surely beckon.