Your reviewer still finds it hard to get his head around the current surge in BIFFY CLYRO'S popularity. Up to now, their music has been largely sloppy, thrashy and easy to dismiss as typical also-ran fodder, and -despite their commendable hard-working ethic - it all looked as though they would gradually slog aound in ever-decreasing circles.
Then something obviously happened. Whether it was meeting up with producer Chris Sheldon, some kind of chemical change within the band or simply that they're taking better drugs this writer can't determine, but whatever it is, I'll have some of it too, thanks, as the unlikely Biffy Clyro are actually sounding like contenders at last.
As with previous single "Glitter & Trauma", "My Recovery Injection" comes with a strong identity of its' own. Again it's got a great sleeve (this time an HR Giger-ish crucifixion image) of an ominous hue and sonically it's again a leap forwards. It's riffy, economical and drags an unlikely emotional pull in its' wake, while Sheldon's spot-on production comes on like a tidier Albini. And what's with those towering harmonies? Where were they locked up previously? OK, it's hardly recognisable verse-chorus gear, but it's got bags of presence and power and makes you sit bolt upright. Which is surely the kind've reaction you want from this, right?
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Both the B-sides are of the decent veriety, too. "It's Always The Quiet Ones" has a brilliant title and goes from quiet and melancholy to an avalanche of aggression in the blink of an eye. It's a classic example of howling, but affecting angularity and every home should have it. "Corfu", though, is even better. Creepy, chilly and desolate, it initially recalls the Red House Painters in its' funereal emptiness, although it does broaden its' edgy horizons as it spreads outwards. Nonetheless, it's a darker reflection of the holiday island you'd never see in the brochures and in Simon Neil's head it obviously seems like the most heartbreaking place on Earth.
So you might not wanna book that fortnight of sea, sand and sangria through Biffy Tours, but you will want to stay on board for the album that's hot on the heels of this. "My Recovery Injection" is a stimulating shot for both head and heart and will surely do you the world of good in the long run.
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