Just when you think a band can’t get any better, and that’s saying something with Biffy Clyro they go and raise the bar again! From the first time I finally saw them back 2011 at the Milton Keynes Bowl to every festival appearance and headline tour since they just get better and better, and better!
Finsbury Park was truly sun-drenched, not a cloud for miles. Based on previous experience of the venue we decided to head over roughly at opening time to get a decent view plus i’m a big supporter of support acts. To our surprise we walked straight in, and then straight into the front pit or golden circle, whatever you want to call it.
It filled up pretty quickly for the first act on at 3.30. Wavves, an American rock band from San Diego, California. Their music blends surf rock, pop-punk, and noise pop. Known for a fuzzy, “slacker-rock” aesthetic, fast, catchy melodies, heavy guitar distortion yet laid-back, Jimmy Eat World vibes with an interesting look of Hawaiian shirts and Heavy Metal vests. Got the crowd going well early on with some great tracks. I did appreciate the drummers ‘Berserker’ T-Shirt, if you’ve seen ‘Clerks’ youll know.
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Wavves at Finsbury Park Supporting #BiffyClyro #wavves @Wavves #livemusic #guitar ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Marmozets at Finsbury Park Supporting #BiffyClyro #marmozets #livemusic ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
Next up were The Marmozets, clearly a big following of theirs had moved forward in the crowd. This alt-rock band from Yorkshire have obviously been missed on their hiatus since touring their last album in 2018 but a lot of happy singing along faces present. Great musically, shrill vocals at times in a very good way, I’ll say alternative again and almost operatic at times, a great live act and choice for act two.
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Don Broco at Finsbury Park Supporting #BiffyClyro @DonBroco #donbroco #livemusic #rockmusic #bedford ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
Next up were Don Broco, I’ll write there name again so you take it in properly, Don Broco. This alt-rock band from Bedford just tore up the afternoon stage at Finsbury. Call it alt-rock, call it post-hardcore, you could even call it metalcore-pop if such a genre exists. I’ll just call it the band I didn’t know I needed in my life.
Before heading to Finsbury a friend had said to me “what a line up, I’d be happy just to see Don Broco!” And I now see what he means. Simon Delaney opening proceedings taking centre stage in a power stance with power chords, bass and drums were soon to kick in with a great rendition of cellophane.
This band just owned the stage and powered through the set, but not before they had opened up some serious turbine mosh pits either side of the audience, already started by The Marmozets but they intended to finish them. A high energy set and one I need to see again!
The sun had taken its toll on one person I was with so we dropped to the side for Korean chicken strips and refreshments but decided to not try to gain our places back, opting to take in the view from a slight distance and enjoy the overall spectacle as a whole.
Nothing but Thieves were up next, a band I’ve seen live before and they did not disappoint at all, why would they, both on recordings and live they are so tight it’s enviable and Conor Masons vocals were as good as ever.
A band that hasn’t been that visible recently four to working on a new album due out in September brought their A game. Self confessed fans of Biffy Clyro, why wouldn’t they.
The Finsbury Park crowd was still basking in the sunshine and their own style of anthemic rock-pop was the perfect end to a great support set. The screens either side of the stage coming alive with graphics and filters donning parts of the audience with artistic line drawn on brand dog heads. They were simply awesome on the day.
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Nothing but Thieves At Finsbury Park supporting #biffyclyro #nothingbutthieves @NothingButThieves #livemusic #finsburypark ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
Mon the Biff!
8.30 finally arrived and it was time for Biffy Clyro at the biggest gig of their career to date. Simon Neil took to the stage to open with Captain in his usual shirtless look and warring a bespoke Levi’s kilt made especially for him. Immense doesn’t do it justice from the off. Before they started the crew had built a multi-tiered stage in keeping with previous tours occupied by either Simon or the violinists. There was a key change to the stage dynamic I liked. Ben on drums was sat up high, the absence of James (get well soon) on bass forming the three filled fantastically by Naomi MacLeod also made room for long term touring guitarist and member of Empire State Bastard with Simon, Mike Vennart to be up front and at one time took place at the top of the stage, great to see him more visual.
Simon Neil was everywhere and it’s no exaggeration to say if you plugged the actual man himself into the power grid it could solve the countries sustainable energy crisis. An absolute master of what he does and if I could bottle the joy he exudes I’d be a very rich man.
The two hour set was just incredible, a great journey throught the back catalogue but no big surprises in song choices but the arrangement in places just lifted them even higher live.
Biffy were joined by Jaime Campbell Bower from Stranger Things for Machines. Opening with Captain and finishing with Bubbles and Many of Horror was perfect, and fireworks.
It was edgy, it was intense, it was subtle, at times emotional, it was everything a Biffy Clyro fan wanted and a lot more.
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Biffy Clyro Biblical at Finsbury Park #biffyclyro @BiffyClyro #livemusic #finsburypark #simonneil ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
@we.will.trampoline.gigs Biffy Clyro Bubbles part 2 at Finsbury Park #biffyclyro @BiffyClyro #livemusic #finsburypark ♬ original sound – we.will.trampoline.gigs
Only negatives and I hate to mention any but sound guys were having some issues at times throughout the day but sorted it, especially during The Marmozets, the sound was a bit off at the beginning of Biffy but outdoor gigs like this can be hard or sound carrying. There were a lot of people stood talking through every set of the day like the music was background to their day out. But I can ignore most things and concentrate on the experience I want to see.
Mon the Biff, it truly was a lovely day!!
