What makes Isles by Bicep notable?

Isles received widespread critical acclaim upon release, praised by outlets like Pitchfork and Resident Advisor for its intricate sound design and emotional depth. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for Bicep and solidifying their position as leaders in the contemporary electronic music landscape. Isles is Bicep's second studio album, following their self-titled debut released in 2017. By the time Isles arrived in January 2021, the duo had solidified their reputation within the electronic music scene, known for their innovative blend of house and ambient sounds. This album reflects their artistic evolution as they explored more personal themes and advanced production techniques.

Isles works well if you're into immersive soundscapes for exploration, vibrant energy for movement and dynamic pacing with varied textures.

How many songs are on Isles?

Isles has 13 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Isles

Bicep · 2021

62 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

A rich tapestry of electronic textures melds with organic rhythms, creating a vibrant soundscape that invites introspection and dance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Atlas — The opening track establishes the album's expansive sonic palette with pulsating beats and ethereal melodies, setting a contemplative yet energetic tone.
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Apricots — This track stands out for its captivating use of vocal samples and lush synth layers, embodying the album's fusion of danceability and introspective moments.
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Sundial — With its hypnotic rhythm and gradually evolving structure, this track highlights Bicep's ability to create immersive soundscapes that invite deep listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Isles combines intricate sound design with engaging rhythms, balancing danceable tracks with introspective moments.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered synths and organic percussion, creating a dynamic interplay between electronic and acoustic sounds.
Several tracks incorporate gradual build-ups that culminate in euphoric climaxes, inviting listeners to engage both physically and emotionally.
The running time is divided into distinct sections, with the first half focusing on more upbeat tracks while the latter half explores deeper, more introspective soundscapes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

immersive soundscapes for exploration
vibrant energy for movement
dynamic pacing with varied textures
backdrop for creative work

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek immediate, catchy satisfaction

Where this album fits

Career context: Isles is Bicep's second studio album, following their self-titled debut released in 2017. By the time Isles arrived in January 2021, the duo had solidified their reputation within the electronic music scene, known for their innovative blend of house and ambient sounds. This album reflects their artistic evolution as they explored more personal themes and advanced production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Four Tet· Bonobo· Tycho