Bicep - Isles
Ninja Tune
Bicep’s anticipated return to the electronic scene takes place under very different circumstances compared to their first outing. A world without festivals, clubs and any general place to hear music with a communal element. Luckily enough their music fits into that spacious, lone ranger realm. The empty streets and concrete less feet atmosphere's that Bicep have become known for continue on Isles, the main difference being the lack of thought needed to imagine a world where they perfectly reflect a specific point in time.
Melancholy is a word that comes to mind when listening to Isles. Pop melodies are met with brooding basslines which in turn keep these tracks down to earth, rooted in real time. This project manages to capture that summer feel to a tee, though it leaves a bitter taste which is perfectly captured in Clara La San's performance on 'X'. It has that let down, "what more do you want from me?" mannerism laced within it.
Sundial and Fir are maybe the only tracks which breaks free from the feeling of overbearing desolation. Isles finally ascends above the clouds for a brief spell before the clipped wings and synth strings return for album closer 'Hawk'. Isles exists in a world of perpetual sunset. Bittersweet breakbeats and such. It soundtracks a surreal and somewhat sullen time for the music world.
If you're looking for an electronic release that doesn’t require any prior knowledge of sorts to dig into, this is it. These guys know how to tap into an easily listenable groove without watering down the product. The only drawbacks that I can see are that it can become a bit monotonous after a while, once you've caught onto the structure. This is very defined 'start, middle and end' material. Formulaic to a degree, it doesn't venture too far from the first album to become its own entity. It's pretty much Bicep part 2 but you have give credit where credit is due, they know how to make accessible tunes. It's a skill in itself.
Effervescent yet deeply tied to a stark reality, Isles captures Bicep at their most paradoxically profound.
Favourite Track: Sundial
