Biffy Clyro have chosen to end a successful year in a subdued way with latest single 'Many Of Horror'. The fourth to be taken from one of the year's best albums, Only Revolutions, shows why they've taken a huge step forward in 2009.
For a song with overtones of domestic violence it's also a challenging listen. "I'll take a bruise, I know you're worth it, when you hit me, hit me hard." Simon Neil sounds like a man that can't escape, because he honestly believes, "It's you and me 'til the end of time".
For those that were hoping for another upbeat mainstream rock song similar to 'The Captain', this is a more subtle affair. Musically we're in ballad territory with some solid guitar work, and then a minute into the track the strings start up. They don't overpower the song though; the orchestral atmosphere just adds to the sentimentality of the lyrics.
And it's that fact that shows why Biffy has taken a leap forward, the musical arrangement here could so easily have fallen into Take That territory, but instead the song maintains its indie credentials.
Much of the tracks appeal comes from Neil's voice, for the casual listener it sounds pleasant enough, but it's also worth digging a little deeper into the lyrics.
'Many Of Horror' proves that Biffy Clyro isn't a one trick pony, and that the best is probably still to come.
Rating: 4/5