Scotland's sonic purveyors of progressive alt-rock return with their third album in as many years. Throughout this timeframe we have witnessed the bands initial fusion of cathartic pop/metal grow increasingly sophisticated, with the three-piece's latest offering Infinity Land being a great example of what may-or-may-not become known as "everything but the kitchen sink-Rock".Indeed, upon first-inspection of opening track Glitter and Trauma you'd be forgiven for being completely gazumpted by the notion that this is the same Biffy that are frequently derided as angst-ridden Nirvana clones. Layers of bastardised Euro-synth pop give way to abrasive guitars and a phat-assed groove that could be straight out of the heyday of Motown. Well, not quite but you get the idea. Likewise, recent single "My Recovery Injection" is a fine example of how to create a beautifully crafted mellow schizo-rock song. Elsewhere "Got Wrong" is the best song Weezer never wrote, and Wave Upon Wave Upon Wave" is a tour-de-force in moulding together screaming, vocal harmonies and handclaps and making them all sound good together. Genius.
It's also a positive sign to hear the band taking more time over the recording of this album, as opposed to the one day that previous effort "The Vertigo of Bliss" took to lay down. The overall impression is of a band that are more confident in a studio environment, not afraid to experiment and layer their sound.
Infinity Land does not pass without criticism however; the new experimental streak that runs throughout the album has unfortunately resulted in a big twatting trumpet being put on "The Weapons are Concealed", which lends the song the general feel of a cheesy 70's cop-show. I don't know about you, but I've always thought 70's cop shows were pants. Ultimately though, this is a minor quibble in the grand scheme of things.
Intensely intricate with complex instrumental intercourse, Infinity Land is the sound of a band reaching its musical zenith. Essential listening for all of the emo/hardcore/math-rock/fraternity. Tell all of your friends.
