Product Description Blackened Sky .com Like many debut albums, Blackened Sky functions as a sort of table of contents of its creators' record collections. In the case of this promising young Scottish trio, led by singer-songwriter Simon Neil, it's a safe bet that those collections would be assembled largely of American alternative rock of the late 1980s and early '90s, with particular emphasis on Nirvana, Fugazi, and the Pixies. These influences can--and often do--result in supremely dreary records, less grunge than sludge, but Biffy Clyro are too clever to fall into the usual trap. They have an admirable knack for building songs on unorthodox time signatures without ever sounding fussy, and they're able to shift from delicately drifting melodies to full-throttle rock & roll without an audible grinding of gears. --Andrew Mueller
D**N
another amazing Biffy album
there are some great tracks on this album. but even after a few listens i still can't decide which one is my favorite.
B**N
Five Stars
My new fave
N**T
Excellent God Damn It!
Unbelievable! I haven't so much enjoyed a debut since Placebo. However, I don't think a review of this band should be confined to normal cliche comparrisons, as the band, and indeed this album excel to the top of my stack on a regular interval. My question is - why did it take me til 2004 to discover them??!!?!Its been a revelation in my music listening life to have Biffy Clyro's first two albums in my collection. The extroadinary riffs, vocal parts, lyrics and compassion all create a warmth and atmosphere that makes you want to invite your mates around and share. There hasn't been a dissapointed listener to those who have heard these songs.The mechanics of the songs vary, however, the intensity and drive remains consistent - each song with its own bag of tricks and multitude of hooks that will have you rewinding frequently. The music remains complex yet accessible and although catchy many parts will seem unique well into your 50th visit. Tiresome, these albums are not!So what makes them so different? I don't really know - I suppose its the use of legion styles of rock and indie techniques, congealed into an easily digested audio onslaught with a compulsion to stay popular without sounding common. Sometimes its the lyrics you think of, other times a riff you can't shake. Whichever it is, Biffy Clyro will not be filed in the back of any cupboard nor abandoned without comment. Blackened sky and Vertigo of Bliss should be a double album in my book, and then labelled perhaps the best rock/alternative album of the 2000s!
J**Y
Blackened Sky's the limit
A real gem of British rock that is only bettered by their live perfomance. A definite grunge-influence that sits like a more conservative, British 'Pixies'. All three members of the band contribute great vocals and the resulting harmonies are beautiful, and the lyrics are clever and heartfelt. Biffy Clyro strike a great balance between grunge and emo (is that a real genre?!) and is definately a good bet for someone who likes music along the lines of bush/nirvana etc. what makes them stand out though, is that although they draw comparisons, they have a sound all of their own. great
-**-
{�I don�t believe in anything� is the message in your eyes}
:: Biffy Clyro - Blackened Sky ::Being a personal favorite and with their follow up to the well received debut l.p `Blacked Sky' being released later this year, exciting times are destined for the Glasgow based progressive rock three piece Biffy Clyro.`Blackened Sky' takes the "won't be rushed" pretentious attitudes of recent Tool and multiplies it with the minimalist but effective raw dynamics of the Deftones, before adding catchy emotive melodies with gentle lyrics and guitar lines along the way. Tracks such as opener `Joy.Discovery.Invention' [a sing along favorite live] captivate the listener by gently serenading until 1 minute 46 seconds [exactly] into the song when the song crushes your false pretenses with the defensive aggression of a cornered animal. However it is my favorite song from the album `Kill the old, torture their young" that captivate what Biffy Clyro is all about with the falsetto vocals, fantastic harmonies [all three sing live] and the subtle guitar changes that send contradicting emotions flooding through your head.As a result is it very hard not to get caught up by this band and if their [possible career making] second album is anything near as good as the standards they have set themselves then Biffy are indeed destined big things...-Andy-
J**Y
this cd rocks
Simon, ben and james have created a masterpiece. This cd is pure rock in a way you have never had it. They are not like the 'new nirvana'. This offering contains all the singles and new versions of the old classics. From the beautiful start of 'joy.discovery.invention' through reflecting 'justboy' and 'christopher's river' through the impacting '57' and back to the beauty of 'scary mary', you will not hear nor find a better album....at least until their next album. Such a clever debut leaves our mouths watering and hearts pounding in anticipation for the follow-up. So feel tears forming, anger managing and hearts warming with these young scottish heroes, if its the only thing you do this year. takeachance.gethooked.enjoy
"**"
Scottish rock hopefuls pull it off
Along with the streams of underground rock acts that seem to be making a impact nowadays, Biffy Clyro are certainly not far off with this brilliant, critically aclaimed debut album.Despite the preculiar name, Biffy Clyro known well for being a terrific live band, show their promise with excellent talent especially from singer/songwriter/guitarist Simon Neil who can write the most beautiful perfectly created rock songs well beyond his years.With stand-out tracks such as 'justboy' and '57' this album is surely the main stepping stone into a long and successful career for these guys.Miss this gem, and your seriously missing out.
K**T
The start of things to come
Biffy Clyro have to be one of britain's most underrated bands. Blackened Sky is a full blown alternative rock album. All the songs are full of emotion and guts. Good singles have appeared from this album, such as 27,57, j.d.i and justboy.A must buy album.
