Biffy Clyro (don't ask about the name, all you ever get is some faux-mysterious answer which changes every time) have a strong and growing fan base of grunge-puppies, and indeed their's is a good level of pit-action and crowd-surfing, always impressive for a support act.

They toured with Limp Bizkit for whom they express a grudging respect if no musical kinship and tonight they play some good solid rock at a packed Astoria.  With just a guitar, a bass and drums they have definitely got the right idea, bringing some ever-welcome honest noise to the people.  I believe the young folk would maintain they are "keeping it real" but they do look a bit bored.  They stand half-turned from the audience and keep the performance low-key.

One of their better songs, the soulful '57', gets a bit more lively, but not much.  Or maybe they're just shy.  They've got a lot of floppy hair, and that's often a sign of trying to hide something.

Biffy play a kind of music which is fairly generic indie grunge stuff, echoes of Nirvana but with little trace of the angst and pain.  It's all OK and everything, but really not much beyond the average. The crowd like them, but in the way you quite like a custard cream; it tastes fine, you're maybe faintly aware of enjoying it whilst you're eating it, but then when you've had it you probably don't remember much about it. 
(3/5)

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