Last night at Dublin’s 3Arena, Biffy Clyro didn’t just play a concert, they delivered a masterclass in arena-sized rock. Marking the second stop of their massive Futique Tour, the Scottish trio proved exactly why they remain one of the most formidable live acts in the world.
The energy in the 3Arena was electric from the start, fueled by a high-octane support slot from Soft Play (formerly Slaves) and the inevitable typhoon that is their mosh pit. By the time the lights dimmed for the headliners, the crowd a mix of die-hard fans from the Blackened Sky era and newer listeners were more than ready.
Biffy emerged with their signature intensity, and temporary replacement bass player along with string section and extra guitarist. This gave Neil and Johnson an extra dynamic while also remaining at their core, “The Biff”. The setlist was a calculated balance between the experimental, jagged edges of their new album, Futique, and the soaring anthems that have defined their career. Tracks like “A Little Love” and “Hunting Season” sounded massive live, with the band leaning into the synth textured, progressive sound of the new record without losing their raw, distorted punch.
When the opening chords of “That Golden Rule” and “Mountains” rang out, the 3Arena turned into a massive choir. “Bubbles” and “The Captain” remain some of the best live rock moments you can experience, and a particular highlight of any Biffy set in my opinion, complete with frantic strobe lighting and pitch-perfect harmonies.
If you’re a fan of “The Biff,” this tour is essential. They have managed to evolve their sound on Futique while retaining the heart-on-sleeve vulnerability and crushing riffs that made them megastars in the first place, and consistently one of my favourite bands since the 00’s.
Soft Play photos & set-list:
Set-list:
All Things
Mirror Muscles (Baby Dave song)
Isaac Is Typing…
Fuck the Hi-Hat
Act Violently
Punk’s Dead
Girl Fight
Beauty Quest
The Hunter
Biffy Clyro photos & set-list:
Set-list:
A Little Love
Hunting Season
That Golden Rule
Who’s Got a Match?
Shot One
Space
Wolves of Winter
Tiny Indoor Fireworks
Goodbye
Friendshipping
Biblical
A Thousand and One
Different People
A Hunger in Your Haunt
Black Chandelier
Instant History
Mountains
Two People in Love
Machines
Encore:
The Captain
Living Is a Problem Because Everything Dies
Bubbles
Many of Horror
Photos & Words – David McEneaney @experimentzero