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Bicep Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the London-based duo from Belfast, Matt McBriar and Andy Ferguson.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Aug 30, 2017
    100
    An album that functions seamlessly as a listen-in-one-sitting affair, with enough memorable stand-alone moments to keep the club contingent happy, Bicep's debut is a clear front-runner for best house record of the year.
  2. Sep 1, 2017
    90
    It’s surprisingly dreamy and thoughtful at times (see lead single ‘Aura’, which radiates pure white light) and full of the yearning and bittersweetness of the best post-rave sunrise moments. Most of all, it’s laser-focused in the pursuit of pleasure, and makes absolute sense as a complete album.
  3. Sep 1, 2017
    84
    Bicep have never been afraid to go for broke, and their debut album is all the better for it.
  4. Sep 1, 2017
    80
    Bicep have taken all of their influences and crafted them into a delightfully homogeneous whole. This is a loose, liberated record as the pair tease with layers of intricately woven synths, keyboards that demonstrate a suitably delicate and deft touch.
  5. Aug 30, 2017
    74
    Bicep’s expansive production and compact song-lengths often lack the transportive and hypnotic potential that the best dance music offers. But it succeeds as a lean and consciously paced album.
  6. Sep 11, 2017
    70
    The music as a whole isn't as immersive as you would expect it to feel at first. Instead it works on a more subconscious level, gradually drawing you in with a subtle pull. That seeming lack of immediacy does nothing to take away from how enjoyable many of the highlights here are, and the album is well-paced in such a way that it never lingers longer than it needs to.
  7. Aug 31, 2017
    60
    Belfast deep house duo Bicep finally release their debut LP, and it fitfully lives up to expectations.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Jul 2, 2020
    10
    It's definitely a Modern Classic. Love this melancholic aestethic. Especially Aura, Glue and Vale are very beautiful Tracks.
  2. Jan 19, 2020
    10
    Absolutely flooring music. If you love Four Tet or Caribou, these guys are the future, easily. Right from opening few notes, to the epicAbsolutely flooring music. If you love Four Tet or Caribou, these guys are the future, easily. Right from opening few notes, to the epic closer "Aura", there is a reason this album has been long-awaited... Expand
  3. Sep 5, 2017
    8
    Its not particularly groundbreaking but it's a wonderful celebration of all that techno is and has ever been, remarkably consistent and asIts not particularly groundbreaking but it's a wonderful celebration of all that techno is and has ever been, remarkably consistent and as suited for home listening as it is for the club scene. Expand