Scottish rock trio Biffy Clyro have announced a new documentary, titled Cultural Sons of Scotland, which will be released on 25th February via Amazon Prime. Detailing the making of their album The Myth of the Happily Ever After, it will also examine the group’s twenty years of making music together, looking at how the bonds of friendship have weathered amid pandemics and so many years.
The official synopsis says that “the new feature length film takes viewers on the journey with Simon, Ben and James as they return to their home in Ayrshire to create their latest, critically acclaimed album in the most unusual of studio environments. The film explores how the experience of recording an album in Scotland for the first time prompted the band to reflect on the importance of where they’re from, how this has influenced their career to date and reinforced their lifelong bond as friends and bandmates.“
The band (which comprises singer/guitarist Simon Neil, drummer Ben Johnston and bassist James Johnston) released The Myth of the Happily Ever After last October, with it becoming their sixth Top 5 album in a row. Recorded much quicker than their previous material and released as a surprise album, Neil has spoken in an interview recently on the more spontaneous approach the record had.
“Normally when I’m writing there’s 18 months of working on the songs. This one felt so spontaneous …. We did no pre-production. We would normally record ourselves in the practice room. This was like, ‘Here’s a song, let’s record it …. Because of the pandemic, the purpose of the music felt more pure, knowing that we weren’t going to go out on a promotional tour.“
The documentary also features the group’s performance at Glasgow Green last year, after over a year of being unable to perform. Speaking on the difficulty of performing after so long, Neil said “It was tough! … The big step for us was just even getting in a room and playing live together. That was the first time where things made sense …. There’s a level of fear that builds just having not engaged with more than three people for the last 18 months …. I think that led to something truly transcendental happening at the shows.”
Biffy Clyro are also soon to embark on a tour, going through North America in the spring. They’re also due for some dates in Europe after having to postpone due to the pandemic. If you’re interested in tickets, you can look here.
Biffy Clyro UK Tour Dates
12/06/2022 – Download Festival – Donnington Park
25/06 – Royal Highland Centre – Edinburgh
