Biffy Clyro - Stingin’ Belle

When’s the last time you heard a song, and thought what it really needed was a good old puff on the bagpipes? Never? Don’t tell Biffy Clyro.

The use of national stereotypes is only the second best thing about comeback track ‘Stingin’ Belle’ (the first, if you’re wondering, is the lyric ‘You think you’re cool, like a porcupine’). Elsewhere it’s a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Packing a huge chorus, tailor made for singing back while sat on some poor sap’s shoulders; this isn’t the return to the early, more acerbic Biffy that some may have yearned for, but rather an expansion on their new stadium straddling status.

The intrigue comes from the forthcoming double album’s title, ‘Opposites’. Frontman Simon Neil claims it refers to the lyrical content - one album positive, one negative. Maybe that could extend to the music too? Perhaps everyone can get what they’re hoping for - one the newer, more mainstream friendly band, the other the brilliant yet brutal gang who won us over all those years ago? One thing’s for certain, Biffy’s seemingly unstoppable rise to the A list isn’t slowing down yet.