Alternative music was first used in 1979 by Terry Tonkin, a music clerk and writer at the time, to describe underground music. Since then, the genre known as alternative has covered pop and rock music. The genre itself incorporates music and bands that work outside of the traditional and standard definitions of pop and rock music. No longer seen as underground, alternative music is a firm fixture in the music industry.
Biffy Clyro is an alternative rock band from Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, a heavily Protestant community. The band has, over the course of their 30 years together, produced works which has socio-religious references and biblical-themed titles. The band has been open about their intention not to make a religious statement. The band does, however, intend to present an alternative understanding of religious belief. Following this point, the band is providing pop culture with a (mis)guided view of faith, where they enlist a self-defining definition of religion, belief, and faith.
Where Does Their Work Go?
The direction of this analysis is less on the visuals of the videos, which demands an entire critique itself. The argument presented is how Biffy Clyro incorporates biblical themes, titles, and nuances in their work, which subjegates and objectifies faith and belief through a post-modern socio-religious context which is closely aligned to, and can lead toward, a deconstruction of faith.
Biffy Clyro – incorporating a socio-religious deconstruction where faith is questioned, challenged, and dismantled, substituting foundational principles of faith, belief, and hope with icons/images from (pop) culture.
Samples from the Biffy Clyro catalogue
The following tracks are samples from the expansive Biffy Clyro catalogue, which covers ten studio recordings and hundreds of live recordings. The works selected have a common theme; they each contain a religious title. Others in the band’s catalog are not explicit in their religious title. For this review, songs with clearly defined religious titles have been included.
These samples help qualify the analysis of Biffy Clyro’s (mis)use of these biblical titles, references, and meanings. There is sometimes a thin veil connecting the title to the intent of the song. However, the tracks that do include a biblical title or reference hold some level of a socio-religious perspective. These tracks are not intended to be a stable or consistent biblical work. The tracks use these references to make a broad statement about social relationships, with the foundation being on one’s individual approach to religion.
The band is clear that they are not making a religious statement. Yet, they continue to enlist biblical references throughout their works. Such a contradiction may not be readily assessed by fans or audiences. What is seen is some connection to religion, while the music does not follow “church music” but a strong alternative music identity. This latter point gives more credibility to the work than the surface biblical reference. This operating strategy allows Biffy Clyro to invest their own questioning of religion while not falling into the trap of being a “religious band.” Fans and audiences are given a creative sonic world, and the band can share their thoughts about religion, which is centered on personal interpretations, not scriptural doctrine, and a secular understanding of love.
This last track, “True Believer,” has recently been discussed by the band’s lead singer, Simon Neil.
“Speaking of the track [True Believer], frontman Simon Neil says: “True Believer is about faith: not religious faith, but having faith in your life decisions. Try not to doubt yourself so much. Whenever you’re in those moments to make big life decisions, you’re not as flippant as you think you are. Sometimes I look back and think, ‘Why did I make that decision?’ and actually, I knew exactly what I was doing at the time. So have faith in yourself and the people you love. Love is the only thing in my life I have conditional faith in. It’s what drives my relationships and our music” (qtd. in Radio X, September 5).
This last track, a highly anticipated release from the band’s 10th album, crosses a lyrical and visual line. As quoted, the band frames the intent along the lines of believing in oneself. There are questionable hand gestures and profanity prominent in the track. Taking these two items together, Simon Neil’s qualification of the song, stating the satisfaction and ability of one to rely on oneself, following love, and having faith in oneself, detracts from the honest intent of the song. Biblically speaking, each of these is counter to faith, belief, and where Christian trust is to be placed.
Misunderstanding Titles, Misusing Terms
To start, Micah 7:5 clearly states not to put trust in others.
“Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom” (Micah 7:5 NKJV).
Proverbs reminds us not to lean on our own understanding.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).
Ephesians 2:8 qualifies how we have been saved through faith, a gift from God.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV).
These short verses serve as a counterpoint to Biffy Clyro’s perspective on self-reliance. Promoting a self-reliance option based on love may give the impression of a positive context, attitude, and pride. Each of these, again, is a danger to be avoided when living by faith.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15017 ESV).
Fans and audiences may misinterpret the message presented by Biffy Clyro as being religious. Given the words from the band’s frontman, Simon Neil, and a short review of applicable biblical scripture, it is clear that the titles are not biblical in nature, there’s no applicable biblical testimony being made, and the band is not making a religious statement. Yet, how many fans or audience members will take the time to delve into the background of the titles, their meaning, and how they do not point to an accurate biblical understanding?
The danger of these titles, by Biffy Clyro, is the misleading representation. On the surface, the titles denote a biblical reference or knowledge. However, the opposite is the case. The gesture of the titles is an inaccurate influence. Biffy Clyro is not making a statement in support of religion; they are making a socio-religious point based on the self, a danger which scripture clearly points out for (true) believers to avoid.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want” (Galatians 5:16-17 NKJV).
“I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18 NKJV).
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13 NKJV).
To Listen Or Not To Listen?
Musically speaking, the works of Biffy Clyro are enriching, challenging, engaging, and entertaining. When putting the misuse of these titles aside, their works stand on their own, a testament to their 30-year career. However, when the lyrics present a reference to religion, no matter how slight, the level of enjoyment in a credible socio-religious, faith-based context is difficult.
Navigating these inclusions, which don’t follow a predictable structure, makes the listening difficult with a faith-based discipline. Is it possible to listen beyond this perspective? Yes. Is it necessary to listen with this perspective? Yes. Does one need to be this critical when listening to alternative pop or rock music? Again, yes. Letting down this critical guard deflects the importance of living a faith-centered life. The sounding reality which Biffy Clyro presents is comfortable for some, while others will need to listen with caution, so as not to listen with any compromise.
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