Amazon.co.uk Review: Based on the evidence of The Vertigo of Bliss, Ayrshire's Biffy Clyro have matured massively since their debut album, Blackened Sky. While retaining a highly refined melodic sensibility that manifests itself mostly in their effortless vocal harmonies, they've added a metallic heaviness to their sound, and bravely given themselves full range to experiment.
The Vertigo of Bliss is never predictable, hardly even stable. Most of the tracks here are in constant flux. Pastoral acoustic guitars, fuzzed bass and sweet strings slip in and out of the mix, leading on to the next folksy interlude, wild jazz break or punky firestorm. One example of this is "With Aplomb", where a pretty acoustic riff is gradually submerged in lush strings and vocal harmonies, before the band engage in a series of brief solos rising to a kind of Elizabethan rock climax recalling Ritchie Blackmore. Elsewhere "Diary of Always" is a bizarre ballad driven by a Laurie Anderson-style vocal pulse, while "Now the Action Is on Fire!" mixes turbulent guitars and staccato strings, like a cross between John Cale and Ozzy Osbourne.
This is not to say the album is difficult or messy, rather that great care has been taken to embellish and enliven songs that were already fairly strong, and is an ambitious and intriguing effort. --Dominic Wills
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - their time wasnt then,it is now
biffy clyros second album expands their style but doesnt quite define it as the follow up would and thats not a complaint,its praise in a way,the syles here range from indie to mathcore to some grunge to punky riffs to more poppy moments and indeed all of those styles can be found on the same track,influences here range from the blood brothers through to idlewild,some say that this album was recorded in one day,if thats true then you wouldnt know as this album is far from shoddy,in fact its a beauty. ... Read More
Rating: - musical genius!
Whatever I say about this album it wouldn't be superlative enough. It rocks, it gets under your skin and plucks your heart strings too and also it sends chills up your spine. It really is all killer and no filler, with maybe the exception of track 6. The finale is particularly wowifying with it's off kilter ending complete with wailing violins. Great! Buy it now!
Rating: - A great step up from Blackened Sky!
For those of you who like Biffy's more experimental side (only lightly displayed on Blackened Sky) you'll find this album an utter joy. Gone are the structured pop songs and in come some wacky time signature and progressive guitar, bass and vocals. On first listen you probably won't get it, but after a few listens it starts to make sense and you'll begin to love it.
It's clear from the front cover of the album that Biffy were going for something much different to Blackened Sky. Songs like ... Read More
Rating: - Of the three Biffy Clyro albums so far released
this is definitely the best.
I'm not a massive fan of Bodies In Flight. It's good, but not fantastic. The Ideal Height is a lot better, though it features some horrendously bizarre lyrics "Circumstance predicts I slim the main." With Aplomb was the first track to REALLY get my attention when I listened to the album. Beautiful music, a breathtaking climax... Everything you could ask for except non-sucky lyrics. "Again these hands blow dry..." sings Simon Neil. OK... If that wasn't bad enough, ... Read More
Rating: - Amazing Band, Amazing Album
Utterly fantastic album, and recorded in only 24 hours. My favourite album of all time.
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