Isles

Bicep

Isles

Second album from the Belfast-born, London-based duo and internationally acclaimed DJs and producers Andy Ferguson and Matt McBriar

ADM rating[?]

7.8

Label
Ninja Tune
UK Release date
22/01/2021
US Release date
22/01/2021
  1. 9.0 |   God Is In The TV

    A ride that is certainly “a snap-shot in time” and one that appears influenced by the pandemic, whilst never picking up its negativity
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  2. 9.0 |   XS Noize

    A dense sonic experience that can be enjoyed in solitude whilst serving as a reminder of the good times spent in others’ company that will someday return
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  3. 8.2 |   Spectrum Culture

    Isles captures the dark moment we’re living in, but those subtle hints of better things to come feel like early glimmers of light and hope
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  4. 8.0 |   The Arts Desk

    The harmonics that can be coaxed out of electronic equipment have a quality that messes with the listener's mind
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  5. 8.0 |   The 405

    The Belfast duo expand their sweeping brand of dance music in a new album
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  6. 8.0 |   Evening Standard

    They’ve promised it’ll be ‘much harder’ in person but these 10 new songs have some serious heft even through headphones
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  7. 8.0 |   Gigwise

    A record that calls for multiple and detailed listens, and rewards attentiveness
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  8. 8.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    Another masterclass in musing over moments you didn’t even know you’d missed
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  9. 8.0 |   The Independent

    The dance duo dig deeper on this trancey affair
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  10. 8.0 |   Clash

    It’s a brilliant pick me up, a dazzling set of songs that tap into our innermost impulses. A colourful way to remember those good times, and one that is perfectly prepared for our eventual return to the dance floor
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  11. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    Bicep's sophomore release Isles is much more grown-up and conflicted. However, this is not to the detriment of their characteristic eclectic abandon
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  12. 8.0 |   NME

    The DJ-producer duo’s introspective yet hard-hitting second album shows just how affecting dance music can be, even (or perhaps especially) right now
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  13. 8.0 |   The Guardian

    The Northern Irish bloggers-turned-DJs-turned-producers kick over the dinner-party table with an album that matches the scope and ambition of 90s dance artists
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  14. 8.0 |   DIY

    It’s both a comfort and a lament
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  15. 8.0 |   musicOMH

    Bittersweet and introspective, yet hopeful and spellbinding
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  16. 8.0 |   Mojo

    This is music for smarter dancefloors. Print edition only

  17. 7.7 |   Gig Soup

    Bicep display a range of colorful and ambient elements within their new album. Having been only the second album in, they know how to convey a strong sense of character with knowing exctly how they want to sound. Bicep are energetic and inticing
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  18. 7.3 |   Beats Per Minute

    Isles is a headphones record as colourful as its artwork, and should be enjoyed to the fullest on its own terms, the work of an act in constant flux who refuse to rest on their laurels
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  19. 7.0 |   Uncut

    This handsome sequel stays mostly within their comfort zone of melodic, propulsive dance-pop tailored both to clubs and home listening. Print edition only

  20. 7.0 |   Exclaim

    Isles starts invitingly with the classic '90s ambient pads of "Atlas," setting the stage with a nimble lead melody that slots in tightly to the first of many expertly-crafted breakbeats
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  21. 7.0 |   All Music

    While it can seem a bit formulaic over the course of an album, their consistency largely works to their benefit, and Isles sports several undeniable highlights
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  22. 6.3 |   Pitchfork

    With dancefloors gone dark, the Northern Irish DJs tailor their second album to homebound listeners, but their indoor voices don’t command the same attention as their main-stage belters
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