Review: Bicep release the long-awaited Meli (II) on Ninja Tune

It goes without saying, every release from Northern Irish electronic duo Bicep is a hotly-anticipated piece of art.

Their latest offering, out now on Ninja Tune, is absolutely no exception to that statement. When you look back over their catalogue and their profound individuality compared to other artists, it’s astounding how unparalleled they have become within the world of electronic music.

‘Meli (II)’ is undeniably up there with some of their best work, joining the likes of ‘Glue’, ‘Just’, and many others. In true Bicep fashion, it commences with an intrinsic and holistically enriched intro. Bubbling up through a sea of pads, arpeggiating synths and sirenic vocal layers, it softly ramps the intensity into the danceable segment of the record. Introducing pulsating kick drums and driving hat grooves, a sense of urgency and climax continues to heighten as they introduce more insistent and rave-inspired synths into the mix alongside corroding the softened pads into something a little darker. Just as you reach the peak of prime Bicep exhilaration, the track starts to make its long descent into a sedative sea of sound, bleeding out into the nothingness and leaving you in complete awe of the journey behind you.

We’ve waited a little longer than most people would have liked for an offering of such substantial deliverance from a duo still very much at the peak of their game. Much as expected, ‘Meli (II)’ is much-required euphoric detoxification of your aural requirements. Goosebump-worthy left-field dance music at its absolute best – well played!