Bicep Reveal First Album in Five Years, Drop Three New Songs

Northern Irish electronic duo Bicep have broken a five-year silence with the announcement of their upcoming album, Slug, scheduled for release on January 29 via Ninja Tune. This new project marks a significant evolution in their sound and artistic ambition since their 2021 album Isles.

In the months leading up to the album release, Bicep has shared a series of singles that showcase the expanded musical territory they are exploring. Initially, they unveiled three tracks—“Air,” “Lemonder,” and “Viper.” Most recently, they released an additional trio of songs: “Gas,” “Ultra,” and “Equarium.” These tracks feature a range of guest vocalists, including Lauren Duffus, Soarr, Eartheater, Saskia, and Kehina, highlighting the duo’s collaborative approach on this record.

The videos accompanying these recent releases have been crafted by director Young Replicant and collectively form a short film centered on pigeon fanciers, adding an intriguing visual narrative to the album’s rollout. This thematic choice underscores the duo’s intent to craft a more immersive and multidimensional artistic experience.

Slug’s title draws inspiration from the contrast between the common image of a terrestrial slug and the vividly complex forms of aquatic slugs, symbolizing the duo’s aim to challenge expectations and broaden their sonic palette. According to materials provided with the announcement, Bicep sought to push beyond the parameters of their previous work to create a more varied and unpredictable album.

The album’s tracklist includes a total of 18 songs, several of which feature notable collaborations beyond the vocalists mentioned. Contributions come from producers and artists such as Clark, George Riley, Sassy 009, and Kučka. These partnerships suggest a rich interplay of influences and styles woven throughout Slug.

Following the album’s release, Bicep have arranged two live dates for 2027, performing at the Knockdown Center in New York on March 21 and at the Old Royal Naval College in London on July 31. These shows are anticipated to showcase the new material alongside their established repertoire.

While specifics about the full thematic or conceptual direction of Slug remain limited, the available information points to a deliberate effort by Bicep to expand their creative boundaries and engage listeners with a fresh and diverse soundscape. The integration of multiple vocal collaborators and a cinematic approach to the album’s visual components further emphasize this ambition.

As one of the prominent acts in contemporary electronic music, Bicep’s return after a substantial hiatus has generated considerable interest. Their willingness to experiment and incorporate eclectic elements signals an exciting new chapter for the duo, with Slug poised to make a significant impact upon its release early next year.