However I have had many a good night at the Corn Exchange and I hoped tonight would be no different.
I waited eagerly, as did the packed audience, for the boys to appear. And boy when they did, we all knew it. With certain Edinburgh gigs being more subdued this one was definitely the opposite. It may have been because all three of the boys decided to perform topless, or it may have been because the waiting was finally over. For me, it was a mixture of both!
This gig was destined to be a showcase for new songs which will appear on the bands upcoming fifth album, hopefully out in October. Following on from 'Puzzle' was sure to be a difficult task but for the fans who have stood by them from the beginning they will have had no doubt. And as if to prove to fans they can maintain the momentum the gig begins with new single 'That Golden Rule'. And as if to prove to the band that they agreed the fans lapped up every minute. To hear the words of your new song being repeated back at you like an old favourite must have been a fabulous boost for the lads. It was a boost for us too, their energy and determination shows and we all appreciated the effort.
New songs also thrown in the set list were 'Bubbles' and 'Born On A Horse'. I wasn't sure what to expect but I came away humming the tune to Bubbles as if it had already imprinted itself on my memory (just minus the lyrics as my memory is not that great!!). It was a sure sign that although some may have a softer touch the songs we will be introduced to on the new album are bound to be crowd favourites.
I stood at the back and from there had a great view of both the band and the moshpit at the front. When the lights are flashing and the music is echoing around the venue it is exhilarating to see everyone lapping it up, arms in the air, bathed in light and generally letting themselves be swept up by the music.
There were treats for fans of older albums in the set with the boys doing a roaring rendition of 'The Kids From Kibble' and 'The Fist of Light'. But the set was dominated by the highly acclaimed 'Puzzle'. Not that the masses were bothered by this. To be honest I believe they would have been happy to hear almost anything as long as it was played with the ferocious energy we expect. Although for the one gentleman behind me the entire show, he may not have been pleased had 'Mountains' escaped the set list somehow. In the intervals between songs, even the 1second intervals, he screamed for the song. And as lads decided to go off for a break as lead singer Simon Neil told us he was f*ckin shattered I thought said gentleman may have some sort of breakdown.
There was almost widespread relief amongst those surrounding him when it finally appeared as an encore song. The non album single is one of my favourites. Whenever I hear it whether it is live or even on CD I just want to sing along in anthemic fashion whilst waving my hands in the air. And the other song I feel we can all go that little bit mental to is 'Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies'.
The Corn Exchange had been bouncing beforehand, but it literally erupted when these final songs came on. We all knew it was nearly over, all secretly hoping they would perhaps come on for one more round, and all savouring every minute.
To say this gig lived up to my expectations doesn't really do it justice as I had preconceived ideas as to what it may be like, simply based on my venue bias. So it exceeded my expectations. The boys are best live. The energy, fun, effort, passion from the Biffy to the energy and passion of the fans is an explosive combination and one that gets me every time. I had a heart monitor on during this show for a health test, but I would be very intrigued to see how it rated during the performance because when I left, it was racing with excitement.
Roll on October for the new album and November for the new tour, and awaited Barras gigs. The anticipation is almost too much.
article by: Karen Rennie
published: 01/09/2009 09:50
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.