Single Review: Bicep - ‘Apricots’

Under the lauded musical moniker, Bicep, the producing duo of Matt McBriar and Andy Ferguson have honed the sounds of modern anthemic electronica into their own irrefutable opus. Expanding on the artful energy of 2018 self-titled debut Bicep, the big-room trance anthem Apricots, built around that same irresistible trance progression, is the duo’s latest behemothian offering.

Forlorn, emotive, and euphoric, the single amalgamates a recording of traditional Malawian singing recorded in 1958 by famed ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey and a 1950s-era performance by The Bulgarian State Radio & Television Female Vocal Choir into an urgent and hypnotic body-mover. Gossamery synths and sparse percussion bring the big room chills of 90’s rave, whilst the brooding samples gouge deeper into the sounds, experiences and emotions of the duo’s volatile Northern Ireland upbringing.

An ode to new beginnings and a nod to old, the single accompanied the announcement of new record Isles, which is to be released in January 2021. Fusing the duo’s unshakeable dedication to expansion and evolution of sound with perhaps the most anecdotal thematics to date, the single looks both forwards and backwards synchronously; an electrifying taster of what Isles has to offer.

Full feature here: https://www.themicmagazine.co.uk/post/the-mic-recommends-240425