I’m increasingly convinced that the key to getting through this absurd thing called life is simply having something to look forward to. I think that’s doubly important this time of year; we start the new year with such optimism, only to be faced with a cold, bleak January. These dull winter months need to be spiced up with a bit of excitement, and what better way to do that than an evening spent with one of Britain’s best live bands. Scottish alt rockers Biffy Clyro have been on my list of must-see live bands for the longest time, but somehow the stars never aligned for me to catch them on previous tours. Given how much fun I had with their latest record Futique, it felt like the time was finally right to see the Biffy lads in action.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been to a gig in Nottingham, and even longer for the band themselves, as it turned out they haven’t played a show here since their Only Revolutions days. It was also my first visit to Nottingham Arena. Feeling comparatively small and cosy by arena standards, but with better amenities than a lot of other bigger venues, it’s somewhere I’d be keen to return to. I secured a spot near the barrier ahead of the openers, though neither of which proved to be my cup of tea. Opening outfit The Armed had more energy than the rest of the room combined. I was impressed by their commitment and unwavering energy – their constant screaming and droning discordant riffs, less so. Kudos to the dude with “fuck ICE” emblazoned across his guitar though, love to see it. The following set from punk duo Soft Play thankfully had less screaming, but was still plenty fired up. Their singer/drummer had a real aura of stage presence about him. While I can absolutely see the crossover in fans between the two punk openers (especially the shouty, shirtless Soft Play) and Biffy, I sadly do not find myself in the centre of that particular Venn diagram. 

Thankfully the main event was worth the wait! Though the band were a man down, with bassist James Johnston taking time away for his mental health, their set still felt immensely joyous and hype-inducing. From the dramatic opening curtain drop that began ‘A Little Love’, to the dense cloud of blue and white confetti at the close of ‘Many of Horror’, the lads and their talented touring musicians kept the place in high spirits. Tracks like ‘Wolves of Winter’ and ‘That Golden Rule’ bringing colossal, face-melting riffs, while anthems old and new like ‘Mountains’ and ‘Tiny Indoor Fireworks’ were sung back to the band at maximum volume. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the new material fit in alongside tried and tested fan favourites. There were already a few cuts from Futique that I was looking forward to hearing, but sometimes hearing a song live just flips a switch in your brain and gives you a greater appreciation of it. Definitely felt a hint of that towards tracks like ‘Friendshipping’ and ‘Shot One’. 

Though effervescent alt rock bangers naturally made up the bulk of the evening’s set, that laid the groundwork for those tracks that most mixed up the formula to feel even more impactful. The tender balladry of ‘Space’ took on such a gorgeous rise and fall, far above and beyond what the (already superb) studio version offers. The stripped back acoustic folk of ‘Machines’ felt just has haunting and bittersweet as ever, while ‘Two People In Love’, the ambitious soaring opus that closes their new record, was brought to life in triumphant fashion. I’m not sure how long the band have had a couple of violinists in their entourage, but their addition is a revelation, subtly elevating some tracks and adding a whole new dimension to others. Similar praise has to be heaped upon whoever designed the staging. Between the towering, multi-tiered staircase riser, the undulating overhead cloths, and an eclectic arsenal of lighting and pyrotechnics, the stage work felt consistently unique and surprising. 

Biffy Clyro have long had a reputation of being a great live band, but after seeing them first-hand I think, if anything, people are underselling how amazing they really are live. The lads have no shortage of anthemic fan favourites, but translating those into a great show is far from a done deal. I’ve known plenty of acts with a strong catalogue who have nonetheless failed to replicate the magic when stepping out in front of a crowd. Yet somehow, every single track of Biffy’s sounds at its best with a crowd present to fuel them. It’s their music’s home turf, its natural habitat. So electrifying was their set that I’m tempted now to add the band to the very select club of artists whom I resolve to catch every single time they tour. If, like me, you’ve been putting off or on the fence about seeing Biffy Clyro, take this as a sign that you’re missing out. I couldn’t have asked for a better show to start the year.