Last month flying the flag for the Irish was Conor McGregor, this month it’s the neighbouring northerners making noise, the much-loved duo, Bicep. On the first day of September Andy Ferguson and Matt McBriar, aka Bicep released their highly anticipated, self-titled debut album. Since their breakthrough release, ‘Vision Of Love’, the duo have released a catalogue of quality productions, from edit’s to forward-thinking originals, and now their discography ticks another box. Living up to the hype surrounding the release Bicep have delivered a stunning debut LP.
A year and a half in the making, from sixty demo tracks whittled down to twelve gems, this fuller-length release is, as described in six words by the duo themselves, “an insight into our varied tastes”. As expected in typical Bicep fashion this LP is a cross-pollination of genres but here going the extra mile with elements of progressive house, trance, garage, breakbeat and downtempo. Comparing Bicep to previous material the duo said, “It's certainly more restrained or gentle, but also a lot more dynamic we feel. We've spent a lot more time on the little details. It's very much home listening or for listening on the train, not a club album. Some tracks, of course, will work in clubs”. Whether at home or in a club you can get lost in the euphoria of Bicep - a polished, triumphant, well-rounded release.
4.3/5
Watch the music video for 'Aura'.
Words by Ben C