The Feel My Bicep label adds yet another stellar release to its repertoire in the form of new EP, Dahlia.
Following on from their latest success, the digital masterpiece Just, Bicep AKA Andrew Ferguson & Matthew McBriar are accompanied by the man behind Glasgow’s infamous Thunder Disco Club, and also long-time friend of the pair, Rory Hamilton AKA Hammer.
Progressing from vinyl aficionados into two of the most accomplished house producers currently in circulation, the Belfast boys have delivered yet another well rounded record, five tracks peppered with euphoria in Bicep’s signature style, utilising their skills both in terms of analog sequencers and composition, guaranteed to get you grooving.
As needle touches wax, the title track greets you with a soft ambience, setting the pace nicely before being teased with a soft cymbal and light percussion. Keys puncture the beat as it builds progressively, with the introduction of a resolute thud cumulating before delivering a powerfully haunting vocal. This track is without doubt my favourite of the EP, and perhaps one of my all-time favourites by Bicep, alongside the wobbling synthesiser cocktail that is Poly Pineapple, and their edit of dance classic Gotta Let You Go by Dominica, which left the crowd lucky enough to attend Bicep’s Boiler Room at this this years AVA Festival in Belfast in a state of sheer ecstasy.
Rays commences with a routine amalgamation of rich bass and percussive loops, before allowing a celestial vibe to envelop the entire track, taking you right up to the precipice before pushing you over into the abyss of drums once more, then Seagulls entices you in with a soulful whistling synth which ripples over crashing cymbals and funky bass pattern.
Both mixes of Go are correspondingly dexterous. The Flanger mix fuses choppy vocals with tangible filters, giving the track a hectic element. In comparison to the much more delicate Liquid Mix, implementing a variety of analog sounds undulating alongside sensual vocals, which draw the record to a smooth, dulcet conclusion.