Biffy Clyro - MTV Unplugged: Live at Camden Roundhouse

Biffy Clyro - MTV Unplugged: Live at Roundhouse, London 

Live albums tend to be challenging for most bands. Recording music is a delicate process at the best of times, and contending with the numerous faults on any given night as well as a screaming fan base can often deliver mediocre results. They rarely capture the atmosphere in a stadium, which is why when a good live album comes along, its immediately talked about in the same vein as ‘Live and Dangerous’ (Thin Lizzy) or ‘Strangers in the Night’ (UFO). Enter ‘Biffy Clyro” with their newest album ‘MTV Unplugged: Live at Roundhouse, London.’ Long inspired by Kurt Cobain and ‘Nirvana’ (Frontman Simon Neil credits the Seattle Grunge icons for his decision to learn guitar), I went into this album with a rough expectation to find similarities between this album and ‘Nirvana’s’ iconic unplugged set. I also loaded a fair amount of scepticism. I know who Biffy are, and I knew this would be very different from their normal set and their first live album (opening for ‘Muse’ in Wembley Stadium. I highly recommend it, you'll laugh, you'll cry, it'll change your life). Still, they've yet to let me down.

What I was greeted with was an absorbing and compelling live album, but also one that had some obvious flaws. Singer Simon Neil is a powerful vocalist, but the slower pace hindered the energy and ferocity that makes him such a captivating live presence. Furthermore, the slower pace rendered fan favourites such as ‘The Captain’ significantly weaker. While these weakness are glaring at times, however, the strengths soar. Equal parts communicative, grateful, charming and funny, Neil’s playful banter with the crowd in between songs is certainly reminiscent of Cobain’s interludes, while the fact that the entire band can't help but laugh at their own nerves and the humour of the situation sets the tone for what proves to be the best part of the album: its vulnerability. The muted sincerity of Biffy's solemn song repertoire is suited perfectly for this environment, with fans being treated to some songs that have never been played live before, while new acoustic renditions allow the gravity of some of Neil’s darker catalogue to take centre stage.

For example, the intimate hit ‘Re-Arrange’ from 2016’s ‘Ellipsis’ proves that Neil's is at his best lyrically when he opens up emotionally. A love song dedicated to his wife, who he credits with helping end his long battle with depression, ‘Re-Arrange’ sees Neil discuss his bout with mental illness, crooning “I've got a lot of rage and I'm struggling with ways to control it… When I wake in the morning I’ve forgotten what it is to cope.” The crowd is eerily quiet aside from the hand claps accompanying the soft percussion, which adds a quiet, malevolent energy that speaks louder than any guitar solo. Ending the song with a playful growl and a “That was gorgeous, thank you, everyone,” Neil breaks the spell he placed until the next tearjerker.

Speaking of tears, emotional powerhouse ‘Folding Stars’ ensures that theres not a dry eye in the house. Written following the death of his mother, this ballad is heavy with emotion and full of dark, heartbreaking lyrics. At times, it is as if Biffy Clyro don't even need to play, as the crowd knows every word, performing alongside as Neil mournfully sings “Tomorrow is a promise to no one… It’s not getting easier, it's not getting easier,” giving the Roundhouse an almost religious atmosphere. A deeply personal masterclass in lyricism that gives added depth to the album at the halfway point.

As with most of their live shows, fan favourite ‘Many Of Horror’ acts as the climax of the curtain call. Unlike the other live anthems, ‘Many Of Horror’ benefits greatly from the added seriousness. Neil’s voice reaches new heights as he bellows out perhaps the best stanza he has written to date: “As well collide we come together… when you hit me, hit me hard,” resulting in irresistible head sways. Acting as the victory lap for the album, Biffy feeds off the energy of the crowd and vice versa, as the string elements give an added height to the crescendo.

A convincing and downright touching album with a few noticeable holes, ‘MTV Unplugged’ was a suitable risk and well performed. The added depth form the slower pace helps convey the great importance and emotion of the album. Neil claims that the recording was “a special night for Biffy Clyro.” Well, Simon, it was for us too.