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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>

Ever notice how some bands really make a name for themselves with a quality debut album? And how gradually over time their sound wanes to a pathetic yelp of submission to the mainstream market? Well Biffy Clyro have tried to avoid this dangerous path, but the question is: has their latest single ‘The Golden Rule’ got all the hallmarks of the s***-hot northern rock band that we all know and love?

A lot of queries I know, but its interesting to consider how much this band has changed from such successful singles as ‘Questions and Answers’ from the Beggars Banquet years. Their first album Blackened Sky (2002) was a belting record which really stamped the bands authority on the indie/rock scene with their remarkably catchy track ‘57’. It showed the great fusion between a great singer and well organised harmonies by James and Ben Johnston.

Infinity Land (2004), despite being pretty dark, was whack. It really took a decent comeback from the band to make their fans take them seriously as straight-up rockers again. Puzzle (2007) was undoubtedly Biffy’s biggest album, and songs like ‘Saturday Superhouse’ had lingering hints of the classic songs they had previously produced.

However, ‘Folding Stars’ was purely put out there to sell singles and show a more sentimental side of the band. Bad move! But that wasn’t the worst song on the record, for some it was ‘Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies’. Yeah, no need to be so clever with the title. But it seemed like guitars and drums weren’t good enough for the boys anymore, and they relied heavily on orchestral hits and fancy fills. Some may see it is a positive progression in their sound,  some are undecided.

Well, if you didn’t like that, you wont like ‘That Golden Rule’. It starts off pretty neat with a rocky riff and some pretty brutal vocals. Then it sorta fades into a weak prechorus which, although being very well constructed and catchy, aint all that and sucks the life out of the first minute of the song.

And then…oh dear. Run out of ideas boys? A really lengthy break with continuous bass and random orchestra hits. It wouldn’t be an issue, but it just seems too premature in the structure of the song. The riff which is coupled with the strings is pretty sweet, but about 30 seconds into this section, you get the distinct feeling they are trying to write the new Bond theme. What’s all that about?

Yeah it’s a good song. Yeah the orchestra section is wicked, and yeah you could imagine the video following 007 infiltrating a hollowed out volcano. But, where are the raw riffs? Where’s the gritty vocals? They have certainly progressed as a band financially, but musically? Now that’s a different question altogether.