For the trio of Biffy Clyro, the years since their previous album, 2021’s The Myth Of The Happily After, have provided a valuable lesson in cherishing their achievements and close friendship. First playing together when they were 15, Simon Neil and brothers James and Ben Johnston are now seated comfortably at the top table of the UK’s modern rock scene.
But, in feeling a need to rediscover themselves outside of their three piece, they took some time away, such as Neil channelling his extreme metal urges into side project Empire State Bastard for most of 2023, they then felt apprehensive about coming back together again. Eventually coming back together outside of the band setting first, they found that despite everything, they were still at heart those same teenagers who first bonded over a love of grunge and alt-rock.
And that is the essence of Futique, the Scottish trios 10th album. A portmanteau of "future" and "antique", the trio here reflect and consider life's fleeting moments. This mindfulness is immediate as the opening “A Little Love” is an uncharacteristically optimistic turn for the searing snarky rockers, brimming with brighter tones and melodies, before the trademark soaring hook hits.
“Hunting Season” follows with an urgent, rocking groove that feels more of the vibe to expect from the band. Instrumentally, it swaggers with a bouncing riff, while lyrically Neil fires off a scattershot take at big tech and social media and how they treat people in pursuit of profits.
Then, “Shot One” sits in a happy medium between the rocking energy Biffy provide in spades, and their more anthemic, sing-along side. Elsewhere, “True Believer” and “Friendshipping” spark with energy and intent, while “Goodbye” sits in the contemplative midpoint, providing a cooling salve to the wall of sound riffs.
In all, Futique is best viewed as a solid next step from the captivating trio who have now been long in the game. Where their previous album stepped back into more of the unconventional from their early days, Futique sees Biffy meld their competing instincts into one again. Not too extreme, but also not safe; Biffy Clyro soar elegantly here.