Smooth Sailing

Biffy Clyro played to more than 12,000 people at London's Wembley Arena last December, so you might be thinking they'd be lacking in motivation for their gig at the Gramercy — a venue with a maximum capacity of 600 — as they seek to make a name for themselves on this side of the Atlantic. Right before the show, the band's bassist James Johnston was quick to dismiss any such notions, "We absolutely love it, we love doing what we do, it doesn't matter if there's 100 people there or if there's 10,000."

As the show began with a frantically energetic rendition of "The Captain," the opener from last year's Only Revolutions, it was clear that he wasn't lying. As the Scottish three-piece thundered their way through their 23-track set, which featured material from all five of their albums, there was no doubting that years on the road have turned them into a tight and efficient unit. A brief respite came halfway through as lead singer Simon Neil performed both "Folding Stars" and "Machines" acoustically, backed only by the singing of the sold-out crowd.

But just as the inhabitants of the frenetic mosh pit had gotten their energy back, they were called upon again as the noise kicked in full force, with songs coming thick and fast. Their only chance of rest came in the two minutes before Biffy's encore, as the band themselves were desperately searching for energy.

The closing fan-favorite "Mountains" consisted of Neil and Johnston throwing themselves around the stage with their usual confidence, which resulted in a booming crowd reception. As they left the stage, the level of noise coming from the crowd clearly showed that their energy had been much appreciated. Proof then that it doesn't matter how many people you're performing to, it just matters how you perform.