‘Opposites’, released earlier this year, did not make the shortlist of albums nominated for this year’s prize, the winner of which will be handed out at a ceremony held in London this evening (October 30). Speaking to Gigwise, Ben Johnston of the band complained that his band deserved a nod for making an ambitious double album.
“I think doing a double album is quite brave and and I thought the Mercury Prize was all about bravery and taking risks. But obviously it wasn’t quite brave enough,” said the drummer. Johnston went on to state his opinion that the Mercury judges, “seem to bypass heavy music at every stage”. Biffy Clyro were nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2010 for their album ‘Only Revolutions’, losing out that year to The xx. 
Laura Mvula is currently favourite to win the Mercury Prize with odds of 8/11. She is ahead of David Bowie, Disclosure and Foals according to the latest odds from William Hill.
The latest odds according to William Hill:
8/11 Laura Mvula
5/1 Disclosure
11/2 Foals
7/1 David Bowie
12/1 Laura Marling
16/1 Artic Monkeys
16/1 Jon Hopkins
16/1 Savages
25/1 James Blake
40/1 Rudimental
40/1 Jake Bugg
50/1 Villagers
[NME]
