Bicep have announced they will release their highly anticipated sophomore album 'Isles' on the 22nd of January via Ninja Tune. Two years in the making, the Belfast born, London based duo will expand their constantly evolving sonic universe to places not yet visited by the producers, as they dig deeper into the sounds, experiences and emotions that have influenced their lives.
'Isles' acts as a snapshot in time for the duo, reflecting their work across a two year period. Designed to evolve in different settings, the version presented to consumers will be toned down relative to the live set.
On the album's title, the boys comment, “We have strong mixed emotions, connected to growing up on an island,” they say, “wanting to leave, wanting to return”. On their journey from the bustling club scene in Belfast to their move to London, they've been exposed to a breadth of electronic music and the impact it has on crowds and good spirits. This informs the album's extensive sonic palette.
The lead single of the album 'Apricots' encapsulates these vast influences perfectly. Sampling traditional Malawian singers, combined with a cosmic shower of floating synths creates chills similar to that of 90s rave but on a euphoric level. 'Apricots' follows on from the previously released 'Atlas', a belting track that utilised banging breaks to create a perfect first taste of what is set to be an incredible album.
Image via Dan Medhurst
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BICEP TALK THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, INFLUENCES AND GROWING UP IN BELFAST
BICEP RELEASE EXPANSIVE NEW SINGLE, ‘ATLAS’
