Biffy Clyro, SECC, Glasgow

Remarkably, tonight is Biffy Clyro’s first Glasgow show in three years. On their last appearance at this same venue in 2010, the Ayrshire band were making their first steps on the arena ladder. Tonight, they return triumphantly having truly cemented their status as one of the UK’s biggest and best rock bands.

This homecoming show is something of a celebration as the band mark an outstanding start to 2013. They are very much at the peak of their powers. From the moment the lights go down there is a palpable sense of excitement running through the sold-out crowd as they prepare to make their entrance. Proving that they have now became masters at arena craftsmanship, the show opens with a solo Simon Neil, bare-chested as ever, plaintively strumming his guitar as he sings ’Different People,’ the first track from their current, sixth album and first Number One, ‘Opposites’. This quiet start is then swiftly blown apart by an explosion of noise and energy as the band launch into a supercharged version of ‘That Golden Rule’. The hugely impressive monolithic stage structure mirroring the album artwork with ideally placed staircases to climb is a remarkable sight. Coupled with a staggering light show complete with lasers and all manner of sensory effects, the production adds an incredibly thrilling aspect to the band’s powerful sound.

11 tracks are played from ‘Opposites’ and each one is received rapturously. Whether it’s the rousing ‘Stingin’ Belle’ or a vicious ‘Picture A Knife Fight’, the band are adept at effortlessly switching dynamic and style. Perhaps the most affecting part of tonight’s performance is two solo acoustic renditions of highlights from Biffy’s last two albums. Delivered by a solo silhouetted Neil on each side of the arena stage, both ‘God & Satan’ and ’Machines’ provide the special intimate moment that belies the vast cavernous environs of the SECC. Of course, these reflective interludes are a rare moment of tranquillity. Biffy are a band who are defined by their all-encompassing, relentless rock sound. Here, Neil, bassist James Johnston and drummer Ben Johnston, stretch every sinew in their body and give every fibre of their being in a performance of truly impressive scale and scope.

You can measure the level that Biffy now find themselves by the songs that they don’t play. Tonight there is no room for ‘Folding Stars’, ‘57’ or ‘Saturday Superhouse’. No matter, instead we get a stirring ‘The Captain’ and a moving and tender rendition of ‘Many Of Horror’ that is sung by almost the whole arena. By the time we get to closer ‘Mountains’ the band is proclaiming this as one of the best night’s of their career. As far as triumphant homecomings go, it doesn’t get much better than this.