BICEP 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: By now, we should all know what to expect from Belfast boys Bicep, namely formidable dancefloor fare variously influenced by bumpin' US garage and vintage Italian house. This two-tracker for Aus is, though, a little different. For starters, lead cut "Circles" bites classic Detroit techno, adding woozy, picturesque electronic melodies to a typically in-your-face techno groove (check the relentless scymbals for proof of the track's Motor City credentials). "Track 2" is a deeper proposition, but no less fluid. Like its predecessor, it's more musically rich and enveloping than many of their tough, stripped-back productions. It's an intriguing new direction, and proves once and for all they're no "one trick" ponies.

Review: Of all DJ duos currently operating in British dance music, Belfast boys Bicep might be the hardest to pin down (Optimo aside, of course). Certainly, this debut album is not easy to pigeonhole, though it is an enjoyably cohesive listen. This is largely down to two factors; the frequent use of deliciously colorful and loved-up synthesizer parts, and the duo's innate ability to utilize beats tailor-made for dancefloor devastation. So while keen dancefloor historians may notice sly (and not so subtle) nods to '89 rave, U.S house and garage, Italo-disco, late '90s progressive house, jungle and early British hardcore, the album never sounds anything less than a fine set of Bicep tracks. Expect it to be one of the biggest albums of the year.