Bicep at Alexandra Palace

One of the top acts to emerge out of the electronic music scene in the last decade, Bicep take Alexandra Palace by storm in two sold-out nights, the first live-streamed on TikTok.

The Belfast duo are maestros of their form, combining a heady concoction of melancholia and euphoria leaving smiles for miles. Everything about tonight is on point: from the audience space to the sound and, of course, lighting. Intro X sees the pair shrouded in darkness, facing each other over sets, with their three-armed logo appearing on screen. Experts at producing anticipation and incorporating fantastic build-ups, Bicep know their audience.

When the lights hit us, the energy is indescribable, bright shapes fitting perfectly together like Tetris, their signature style. Long-time collaborator Blackbox Echo and lasers by Zeallive create a spectacle that is at its core, unforgettable. Navigating smoothly into Atlas, with the gorgeous vocals echoing hauntingly, a big cheer emanates from the crowd as purple and red lasers shoot out like fireworks, culminating in pulsating crimson and white strobes; the visuals for Bicep’s tour are always outstanding and tonight is no different.

The duo premiere three unreleased tracks, but their performance also includes earlier classics such as Just, which is cut into Waterfall, backed by heavy bass. The blissfully melancholic Meli II is cranked up several notches, yet still infused with trademark wistful optimism, as a phenomenal laser display stretches as far as the eye can see.

There is quite a range tonight, with the pair showcasing not only new material that hints at gems to come, taking Bicep ever higher on the dance music stratosphere, but also Boss Rhythm by BDB, and Four Tet’s Opal remix, a gradually building reprieve for the ravers. The graphics are occasionally calm too, which lead up to eye-popping crescendos; although Bicep are excellent on record, they are an act to be experienced live, a sight and sound for the senses to behold. During Sundial, legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle’s iconic voice resounds, one of many highlights tonight that also includes their biggest hit, Glue, accompanied by stunning multicoloured lights.

It is also unsurprising that Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar have a background in graphic design, working with the team to create detailed, precise, show-stopping visuals that will be reminisced about for years to come. Bicep’s gigs are high octane and still stand as the best stimulant – and the only one you’ll need.

Selina Begum
Photos: Matthew Pull

For further information and future events visit Bicep’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Water (featuring Clara La San) here: