ALBUM REVIEWS
© Dan Medhurst Bicep Isles
Ninja Tune
Three years on from their critically acclaimed debut album, Belfast-born, London-based duo, Bicep return with their emotionally charged, rave-laden follow up. Isles once again displays the duo’s expert craftmanship as they build a soundscape that channels old school, euphoric, rave vibes while also working in Bicep’s trademark melodic and synth-based sound. Full of emotional energy, soul and intense atmospheres, the record takes on a peak-time, druggy aesthetic that drives forward with momentum. ’90s breaks collide with deep, grumbling bass, shuffling rhythms, shimmering synths, warbling reverb, visceral grooves and spacey electronics to create a sound that is both nostalgic and modern. Moving between techno, house, postdubstep, electronica, ’90s UK bass and contemporary classical, Isles is beautifully rich. Drawing influences from their youth…
