Biffy Clyro call Billie Eilish “the best thing out of this century so far”

Biffy Clyro are back with the new single ‘Instant History’. The Scottish band are embracing contemporary sounds and showing off a latent political conscience on their upcoming record.

Biffy Clyro spoke to the NME about the new single and the official follow-up to 2016’s Ellipsis. The band’s to-be-announced new record isn’t quite EDM, but they’re actively trying to break-away from their alt-rock roots.

This is clear on ‘Instant History’, which includes genuinely danceable grooves and a fair bit of synth. “We thought, ‘Fuck it, let’s go big and ballsy to start with’,” said frontman Simon Neil.

Watch: Biffy Clyro – Instant History

The new album is slated to be the band’s most political work to date. It’s thematic territory they’ve largely avoided in the past, particularly on the intimately personal Ellipsis. But now wasn’t the time for insularity.

“I always remember saying, ‘I’m never going to write songs about society’ or whatever, but it’s just impossible not to. The songs felt like they were the ones that spoke to me the most,” said Neil. The band announced ‘Instant History’ on Instagram, saying it’s “about waking up to a new reality & not [being] willing to lose ourselves.”

Neil also told the NME about some of his favourites from the contemporary pop field. “I love that artists like Rex Orange County are playing so much guitar,” he said. “The last Tyler, The Creator record is almost like a fusion record – well, a confusion record.”

Listen: Tyler, The Creator – Earfquake

Though, Neil reserved the highest praise for Billie Eilish. “She’s so marvellous. She’s the best thing out of this century so far,” he said. Neil’s bandmates are brothers Ben and James Johnston and so he feels some kinship with Eilish, who’s brother Finneas is her primary collaborator.

“Even Billie’s vocal style is amazing. Kids have as much passion as they ever have. It’s so disrespectful to tell them their music doesn’t matter as much,” he said.

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