- The perception of Bicep as '90s house revivalists has now been largely vanquished with the help of releases like the Simian Mobile Disco collaboration "Sacrifice" and their rougher, more techno-leaning DJ sets. With Satisfy, the second release on their own Feel My Bicep label, the London-via-Belfast pair should silence any lingering questions about their versatility. Each of the three cuts sets off down a different musical street, and each is realised with aplomb.
The title track dispenses with house percussion in favour of a 130 BPM breakbeat spine, to which a characteristically flamboyant diva vocal sample and minor-key synths are added, producing a weapon that packs plenty of emotionally-charged atmosphere. "Snack Bar," with its rigid hi-hat line, chopped-up vocal sample and insistent organ riff, may be the hardest thing Bicep have recorded, and as such will be a perfect fit for the tougher mood of their DJ sets. Closer "The Final Trip" nails a classic acid feel through its chunky slabs of bass, weaving synth line and racing 909 drum pattern.
TracklistA Satisfy
B1 Snack Bar
B2 The Final Trip