The Loud And Quiet Podcast

2025 has been the 30th year of Biffy Clyro, the Kilmarnock trio who always wanted to be 100 people’s favourite band 1 million people’s 10th favourite band. On this episode of the Loud And Quiet Podcast, frontman, guitarist and lyricist Simon Neil reflects on the band’s beginnings and what drove them to sign to a major for their fourth album, Puzzle. It was, says Neil, a no-brainer, despite them never wanting to be on a big label, and none of their favourite records coming from that world. The payoff has been undeniable, as Biffy became the UK’s biggest rock band, covered by an X-Factor winner and scoring four number 1 albums, including this year’s 10th record, Futique. Not band for a group of friends who were signed at T In The Park playing the Unsigned Band Stage, when their kit fell apart and was covered in blood. Further reading/viewingSimon on A View From A BridgeThe Loud And Quiet Marmaduke Duke shoot and interview‘Machines’, the Rock VersionFollow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

In the final roundtable of 2025, Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs take on the new album from goblin indie band Sorry, Detroit rapper Danny Brown’s hyperpop record, Stardust, and Rosalía’s swing for pop opera greatness with LUX. Rounded off with our personal albums of the year. Further reading/viewingThe Loud And Quiet Albums of the Year listThe Danny Brown Show on YouTubeFollow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

As Wakefield trio The Cribs prepare to release new album Selling A Vibe, twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman remember the mid-00s indie scene they never fully belonged to, and explain why Steve Albini remained their hero after they recorded with the legend they’d admired since childhood.Paying attention to the last song on your album is important, they say, because it could be the last song anyone ever hears from your band. And that was nearly the case a few years ago, when they discovered that they didn’t own their own catalogue, which almost caused them to quit the band.For more from Loud And Quiet, and to support, visit https://loudandquiet.substack.com/Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Once a month Stuart Stubbs, Sam Walton and Gemma Samways get together to discuss the new albums that everyone has been talking about over the last month. In October 2025 that’s been Tame Impala’s first dance record, Dave’s verbose third, and of course Lily Allen’s revenge opera West End Girl. We always reassess an anniversary record too, and this month ask if Madonna’s Confessions on a Dance Floor still stands up 20 years later. And would people be as outraged by a 47-year-old woman in a leotard in 2025? Further reading/viewingPitchfork’s Confessions on a Dance Floor reviewPitchfork’s Deadbeat reviewThe Sophist on Lily Allen’s West End GirlFollow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

As we leave behind the month of September, Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs discuss new albums from Geese, David Byrne and Mark William Lewis. Plus a look back Grimes’ most successful record, but why aren’t we all still talking about Art Angels 10 years later?Support this podcast via our Substack page, for less than £4 per month! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe