Ellipsis cover

Released 10 years ago

Ellipsis

Biffy Clyro · 2016

46 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

A dynamic blend of soaring melodies and introspective lyrics, underscored by a punchy indie rock foundation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wolves of Winter Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its driving rhythm and powerful vocals, encapsulating the band's signature sound while introducing themes of conflict and resilience.
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    Friends and Enemies — This track blends anthemic choruses with reflective verses, exploring the complexities of relationships and self-identity, making it a standout representation of the album's lyrical themes.
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    Animal Style — With its catchy hooks and frenetic energy, this song exemplifies the band's ability to fuse heavy instrumentation with melodic sensibilities, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.
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    Howl — This track showcases a more vulnerable side of the band, featuring poignant lyrics and a slower tempo that highlights emotional struggle, contrasting sharply with the album's more energetic moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has moments that feel less cohesive.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and anthemic choruses, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued arrangement with layered vocals.
  • Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly in 'Flammable' and 'On a Bang', creating dynamic shifts in energy.
  • The album closes with two tracks that gradually decrease in intensity, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo energy
  • lyrical introspection and depth
  • an anthemic sing-along vibe
  • engaging while working or driving

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, standalone tracks
  • seek purely upbeat party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debuted at number one, solidifying their status in modern rock.
Career context
Released as Biffy Clyro's seventh studio album, Ellipsis came during a period of significant commercial success following their 2013 album Opposites, which debuted at number one in the UK charts. The band continued to explore their sound while maintaining a strong connection with their fanbase, showcasing growth in lyrical depth and musical experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors
Arcane Roots· Enter Shikari· You Me at Six

Tracklist

  • 1 Wolves of Winter Start here 4:08
  • 2 Friends and Enemies 4:12
  • 3 Animal Style 3:30
  • 4 Re‐Arrange 3:37
  • 5 Herex 3:57
  • 6 Medicine 3:53
  • 7 Flammable 3:07
  • 8 On a Bang 2:38
  • 9 Small Wishes 3:06
  • 10 Howl 3:33
  • 11 People 3:16
  • 12 Don’t, Won’t, Can’t 3:18
  • 13 In the Name of the Wee Man 4:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata