About Glue

When it comes to the history of dance music, the Irish duo Bicep are ardent scholars. From members Matt McBriar and Andy Ferguson’s wide-ranging music blog to their everything-but-the-kitchen-sink DJ mixes, they show their prodigious curiosity by unearthing previously unheard curios for the masses. The London-based producers have since parlayed their crate-digging tastes into a label, a roving club night, and slots on festival stages worldwide. For their upcoming self-titled debut album on Ninja Tune, the pair dug deep into the annals of techno, house, electro, and Italo disco for inspiration. Bicep’s latest single, “Glue,” is a slice of tranquil breakbeat better suited for sunrise comedowns than peak-hours sets. They layer gently stuttering synths and sumptuous melodies until the song’s midway point, where they introduce a slightly melancholic vocal loop that feels like a long exhale of relief. The result channels the energy of UK rave forefathers like Orbital and the Future Sound of London. What sets apart Bicep from their big-tent contemporaries is their ability to slow things down: “Glue” is languid, allowing the listener to relax and breathe. Unlike the duo’s clenched fists logo, there’s nothing confrontational about the track, which welcomes you in with open arms.