Biffy Clyro - 'Folding Stars'
Whoah! Wait just a second! Do I detect some kind of inspiration tribute being paid here? Here's a great big rock ballad, with shades of Coldplay's 'Yellow' (only using a much twistier, folkier melody) and is clearly being released as a single so that the band can consolidate some of their recent breakthrough success and reap those ever-tasty just-desserts. And they've elected to film a stark, slightly spooky black-and-white video for their big rock ballad, all super-contrasty, wobbly camerawork and poor focus.
All of which is a bit like when My Chemical Romance released 'I Don't Love You', isn't it? Big consolidation ballad, sounds a bit like 'Yellow', aimed at shoring up a recent burst of sudden success, and accompanied by an arty monochrome video...one can only assume Biffy are tipping a respectful nod to their rock peers. Either that or they've totally nicked their idea.
Of course, it's entirely possibly that this is the musical equivalent of great minds thinking alike, so let's not linger on the comparisons, and take the time to have a good wallow in the differences, 'K?
So, back to that twisty-folky melody thing. It's tempting to immediately conclude that this is Biffy's Celtic roots showing, like everyone who comes from north of the border between England and Scotland has an inner Braveheart just waiting to come bellowing out at the first skirl of bagpipe.
Now, I've no idea if this is true or not, but songs with irregular melodies which switch back on themselves - like a snake attempting to lick its own shoulders - are always, always welcome. Especially when exhaled in a breathy dark murk-voice like Simon Neil has.
In fact, it's the verses which sell the song better than the chorus does, really. Although you do need a great big singalong rock chorus on your great big singalong rock ballad, otherwise it's just a really interesting fruit cake with no marzipan.
Mmm...marzipan...*sigh*...
Download: Out now
CD Released: July 16th
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comments
actually love this song
not that im like biased or anything coz its got my name in . . .
That Biffy Clyro fella got on my bus once. But...
Please, erstwhile metalheads realise that Snow Patrol are making all the bucks do decide to leap on slow and uninteresting bandwagon, with lots of sighs, swooshes and a complete and utter absence of anything even remotely resembling a song of interest.
To use the Scotch vernacular, peeseapish.
but the song has so many different layers to it not least the fundamental one which is it is about the death of simons mother last year as clearly showed by the repetition of her name. I believe its rather touching and amazing as a piece of their album a sthe album does combine so many different elements from heavy stuff to well this isn't exactly pop is it? it may be lighter but if you DID have my chemical romance with a song like this......they'd be a little less frowned upon
{That's my point. They DO have a song like this. It's called 'I Don't Love You'. - Fraser]
'i dont love you' is about someone falling out of love with someone else, thats what the colours are used to represent...black and white are a contrast showing the realisation of the differences between the two people. its the easiest way to represent that visually. im not gonna get a chance to actually listen to this song til i get home so thats why i was reluctant to comment before but ohwell i am now, even though its more of a comment bout 'i dont love you'.
and since when are they frowned upon? not by me!
It's interesting to find that after reading so many articles with regard to the release of there new album, that on many occasions, Simon has mentioned that he will not be playing this song live for around 2 years (due to the circumstances surrounding the song).
However, they appear to be releasing this as there next single from the album which strikes me as strange. As I expect, they will be prompted to play this on there tour on what would appear to be, against the wishes of the lead singer (unless the many interviews I have read are infact false). Does this suggest that the record company has therefore, pushed for this single to be released due to the sentiment behind the song.
Thats my rant over now,
I think the song is a catchy and easy to listen. I feel that incomparising to Biffys initial style they are well know for and also the which brings them to this stage in the bands career, they appear to have gone more mainstream in there new album. However, I am looking forward to seeing how well this does in the charts once it has been releised. I feel that on contrast to the album - Puzzle, It shows that shows that Biffy are a rather diverse band and that in there past and current work that this will show in there future work with regard to the dynamics they have been so well know for using in there songs.
Mon the Biffy
@ the Glasgow Barrowlands 8th Novemebr!
Just wondering BC, what is the contoversy that surrounds 'Folding stars'? Why doesn't Simon want to sing it live as you said? I am just curious.
Oh and I love this song and the album it comes from. That is all
Hey Modupe
The Controversy behind the song "folding stars" is that the song is dedicated to his mother who sadly passed away. Apparently (in interviews) Simon feels that there is much emotion involved in the song and with regard to his loss, he feels that the meaning of the song to him - will be lost when he hears thousands of fans singing it with him.
It’s the same with many others bands when they produce such great songs, they get sick of it after too much airplay/publicity, and it would appear that Simon doesn't want this to happen to this song. I'm sure you will be able to relate to that.
BC
the whole problem I had with this being released as the next single was in every interview before the album was released Simon said he would NEVER play this song live because the feelings were still too raw for him to perform this live. the band also said that they would not be bringing it out as a single, yet lo and behold here it is.
I can't help but think that 14th floor were behind pushing for this.
Hey BC,
Thanks for explaining, I fully understand. It is strange it was picked as a single. It is a great tribute though, now I know what is behind the lyrics, i felt a bit choked up listening to it yesterday... I hope the song doesn't get overplayed so it doesn't lose it's meaning.
thanks for replying BC!
i dont think biffy should have released this song. people arent gonna apperciate it as much as it should be. its an awesome song and its reali sweet thats its about his mother. but why release it when he wont sing it live...'yet' i do wonder if hes been pushed into it.
mon the biffy!!! =D
It annoys me how many do not actually realise the significance of this song. It's for Simon's mother, who sadly passed away. A lot of you don't even realise how long it's taken the band to disconnect with the song - they have only played it live three times.
u must have been drunk when you compared the video to my chemical romance...
great song, great album, great band. they're guna b great at leeds fest!!! :D