University of San Diego Radio

Biffy Clyro's latest release, "Only Revolutions," proves that the band has potential to make it big in the States.

After two certified gold albums in the United Kingdom, the forces behind Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro have launched a new campaign to break through to a bigger audience in America. With marketing and promotions in full swing, the band’s latest album, Only Revolutions, has certainly found the praise of Internet bloggers, radio DJs and the average listener alike. In many ways, it seems that this current album will be the one that breaks Biffy Clyro through to the United States on a much wider level – for a multitude of reasons.

The overall final product of Only Revolutions is one that provides a solid mix of rock-oriented music. Some songs provide aggressive rock riffs while others, such as the band’s current single, “Many of Horror,” present simple heartfelt lyrics that transition to symphonic anthems. The songs are relatable and playful, yet filled with incredible amounts of emotion. First-time listeners will draw similarities to fellow UK band Snow Patrol, yet will undoubtedly find the distinct edge that makes Biffy Clyro unique. For their newest album, Biffy Clyro worked once again with producer Garth Richardson at the famed Ocean Way studios in Los Angeles. Many of the lyrics seem to come from guitarist Simon Neil’s perspectives on relationships.

Without a doubt, Biffy Clyro has become a band known for their high-energy live shows. As a three-piece band, the group performs without the additional support of other touring members – a remarkable feat considering the musical output of the band. A certainly unique aspect of Biffy Clyro is the fact that all three members sing on recordings. While Simon acts as the lead vocalist, brothers James Johnston and Ben Johnston provide harmonies that add to the fullness of the individual songs. The acclaimed live shows and popularity across the Atlantic have led to the band being an opener for acts such as Muse, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones and The Who. When they band headlines their own shows, they’ve booked venues as large as 10,000 people. However, when the band played in San Diego last week, they served as the opener for Manchester Orchestra at the House of Blues. This division in venue size from one side of the pond to the other is absolutely amazing.

If one is to look at musical trends throughout the history of rock music certain things can become increasingly clear – popularity in the United Kingdom can be a great predictor of the success of a band in the United States. Classic acts such as The Beatles and modern success stories such as Kings of Leon all found their initial fame across the Atlantic. With the continued push of Biffy Clyro, I’m sure that they’ll break through and achieve the same amount of success that the band has had in England.

Biffy Clyro Rocks the House of Blues

After Midnight Project @ HOB SD (Photo BC)

It’s without a doubt that one of the rising stars on the alternative rock scene this year has been Los Angeles based band, After Midnight Project. Their single “Take Me Home” has remained on Billboard’s Alt Top 40 for seventeen weeks and still remains toward close to its peak position. It easy to say that with the constant touring continued by the band and the increase in airplay, the song will remain on the charts well into the new year. The success found by this band is no small feat considering the fact that After Midnight Project is such a relatively young band. Not only have the guys been together for just a few years, but their August 11th release Let’s Build Something To Break is their first release on a major label.

Prior to their set opening for Papa Roach last week at The House of Blues, I had the chance to sit down with the band and talk about their experiences touring, their influences, and current musical interests as a group. Needless to say, the responses I received for all their questions didn’t seem like the responses I’d receive from a band who spent time opening for bands such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Breaking Benjamin, Trapt. For example, lead singer Jason Evigan describes the band’s sound as “Muse, Nine Inch Nails, Incubus, and Elliott Smith getting drunk at a wine taster. Elegant and raw.” I certainly understand the grouping of the first three, but the addition of Elliott Smith seems to contradict the other examples listed before. Surprisingly, the group pulls the sound off, mixing hostility and aggression with stripped down, heart-on-your-sleeve, anthemic rock.

This past summer, the band played a stint on the Vans Warped Tour, a rite of passage for many groups in the scene. I asked the guys what the experience was like for them traveling with so many like minded individuals and getting to play for thousands of fans. They described it as “exhausting fun” and an “overall very positive experience”. This should be come as no surprise from a band that seems to put interactions with fans as the foremost priority. From the beginning, this group made sure to always listen to what their fans have to say. Be it hanging out with fans after shows or communicating live with them on websites such as Myspace or Twitter, the AMP Army Street Team is group of diehard fans who really seem to help push the band’s success. The overall Warped Tour experience is something the band really enjoyed and they announced to me during the interview that they just signed on to do it again next summer.

The most interesting part of the interview came when I asked the group what music they’re listening to. Given the overall sound of the band, one would assume that they’d be really into some of the more aggressive, cutting edge rock bands on the circuit today. To my surprise, nearly every member of After Midnight Project mentioned bands that shocked me. Hidden beneath the Korn and Paramore were more obscure artists such as Bonobo and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, as well the equally unexpected John Mayer.

After the interview, I went back and listened to the bands music again. I certainly heard why the band was chosen to open that night for Papa Roach, but hidden beneath everything, I found Elliott Smith. On “Take Me Home” Jason’s pleading vocals and words convey recognition of a relationship that is falling apart yet he remains unable to cut the cord. Anyone familiar with Elliott Smith could listen to the song and think that he originally wrote the lyrics, as they match so flawlessly to Smith’s final year of life. It then occurred to me that this band really is unique. Their sound, though easily written off by some as being part of “that” genre, comes from artistic expression of multiple influences, and for that reason, the band will continue to succeed.

Audio Interview:

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Myspace

Right before Thanksgiving break I was able to see the Atticus Tour at nearby SOMA. Although all bands there were great, two in particular grabbed a hold of my attention. When I found out that these bands were touring together I made the necessary connections to interview them before their set at the concert.

Let's Get It

My night began by spending some time with the opening act, a band I believe will soon be huge on the scene, Let’s Get It. Now some of you may be asking: “Let’s get what?” but allow me to explain. Let’s Get it is an up and coming band that is looking to create a new sound. This group’s influences range from synth-based pop to symphony driven, hard rock, but this range of sound is expected out of a band who says that their car ride to San Diego was filled with a mix of The Black Dahlia Murder and Eminem. The good news is that this combination works perfectly and each of their songs sound surprisingly unique. This band’s music will get you pumped and get you ready to party; it just carries an energy that makes you want to move. This energy carries with them when you see them perform and it makes for an all-out awesome show. If you’re tired of looking for a new band to listen, only to find the same sound over and over, you can finally stop search. Let’s Get It is a band that I would highly suggest you check out or catch on their next tour in early 2010.

Blessthefall

As I’m walking to class in Zombie mode on a Monday morning, I scroll through my iPod looking for the band that will get me ready and make my walk from the Vistas a somewhat enjoyable experience. I realize that I often end up only to the B’s and choose the band Blessthefall . Ever since I got their new album Witness I can’t help but stop on their name every time I’m looking through my music.

After catching up with Let’s Get It, I was able to spend a few minutes with Blessthefall’s bassist Jared Warth to talk about what has changed with their band since the release of their first album His Last Walk and what created the greatness behind their new album Witness. Since their first album, they had undergone a lead singer change from Craig Mabbitt to new singer Beau Bokan. Jared explained to me that Beau brings a whole new, positive energy to the band that shows up on Witness. He also told me bands such as Killswitch Engage, Thrice, and Story of the Year inspired the style and sound of Witness, so if you like these guys you should check out the band’s most recent album. The combination of bands like these, mixed with Blessthefall’s original style creates an awesome listening experience. They are bringing it hot and heavy and have an intensity that few bands can match.

If you are looking to check Blessthefall out, Jared suggested to get a feel of their music by checking out these songs of their new album: “What’s Left of Me”, “Witness”, and, for a more pop sound, “Hey Baby, Here’s That Song You Wanted.” I would suggest those who like to listen to hardcore music to check these guys out and try to catch them when they are on tour again. Overall, I had a great night, catching up with a long time favorite, and learning more about one of the newest and most promising bands out there today.

In keeping with the summer vibe, here are a few of my favorite summer songs, not necessarily about summer, but remind me of summer. Perfect for the beach or just cruisin’ in the car, ranging in the styles of reggae to nerd-rock.

“The Heinrich Maneuver” – Interpol

“Santeria” – Sublime

“Hot Summer Nights (Won’t Last Forever)!” – The Aquabats

“Feelin’ Free” – Michael Franti and Spearhead

“I’ll Be Here Awhile (Acoustic)” – 311

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Aerials-System Of A Down
Zero-Smashing Pumpkins
Evil-Interpol
Strip My Mind- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Wish You Were Here-Incubus
Make You Feel Better- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Double Bass- Gorillaz
All These Things That I’ve Done- The Killers
Le Disko- Shiny Toy Guns
Hotel Yorba- White Strips

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Welcome To The Jungle- Guns n’ Roses
So Far Away- Staind
Dark Of The Matinée- Franz Ferdinand
Like A Stone- Audioslave
Runaway- Linkin Park
Easily- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Only- Nine Inch Nails
Cabron- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Savior -Red Hot Chili Peppers
12-51- The Strokes