– Puzzle

The second I heard the opening track to Biffy Clyro’s “Puzzle” I could tell I was going to be jerked around for the next 40 minutes.

	July 13, 2007

They hit the ground running, trying too hard to get your attention. The album has an overall feeling of confusion and a rushed predictability. While the formula does change often throughout the album, it quickly degenerates back to the average chorus and guitar riff. I had a friend over for some tea and crumpets and he mistook this album for Velvet Revolver’s new album. I laughed, stopped and made the connection to Scott Weiland and his shirtless antics. Simon Neil, the voice behind Biffy Clyro is more at home with bands like Lighthouse and Blink 182’s darker days. This album would have been great five years ago, but today it’s just your average bargain bin record. You get the typical rock and other tracks, which slip into the gloomy side, are enough to make you cringe. Here’s an example of Simon Neil’s lyrical genius, “I’m a clown and you’re a thief/ drenched in blood it tastes so sweet/ take it on, the quiet storm/ it’s not like you and me.” Nice try guys, but you’re five years too late.

By Nathan Solis