Biffy Clyro - Ellipsis album review: a softening of the jagged edges

Now that Biffy Clyro are confirmed as one of the UK’s biggest rock bands – even scoring a number one album with that most indulgent of rock clichés, the unnecessary double album (2013’s Opposites) – they have earned the right to experiment.

For the Scottish trio, that means softening their jagged edges for their seventh album. The odd classic riff and epic chorus abounds, but Simon Neil’s songwriting is arguably blunted by love songs such as Re-Arrange and the acoustic Medicine, while the twinkling Small Wishes sounds bizarrely like a country ballad in places.

With the sharp, angular sting taken out of Biffy Clyro's tail, it feels like there's something missing. Casual listeners will find the odd foot-tapper, but ardent fans looking for an excuse to mosh may be disappointed. biffyclyro.com