The 18-track record is rooted in BICEP’s established sound, while broadening the duo’s musical palette and pushing into new territory.

At the heart of SLUG is an invitation to look beyond first impressions. The album’s title was inspired by the contrast between the land slug most people picture and the extraordinary colours, shapes and intricate forms of their underwater counterparts. As BICEP explain: “It felt like an amazing metaphor: you think one thing, but actually there’s a whole world beyond what you initially perceive.”

That sense of contrast runs throughout the record. Clean drum patterns are distorted, pristine vocals pushed through analogue processing, and soft synths placed against rougher textures. The duo’s longstanding use of melancholy and euphoria is explored further, bringing opposing sounds and feelings together.

The album brings together music developed over several years alongside new collaborations with Clark, Eartheater, Lauren Duffus, George Riley, SOARR, Saskia, Kehina, KUČKA, Sassy 009, Rowena Fysx and others.
SLUG is being introduced through three separate three-track releases, each accompanied by a three-part short film exploring different underground hobbies and cultures.

“Free parties, pigeon fanciers, demolition derbies – they’re very different worlds, but they’re all niche interests existing outside the mainstream, with their own combinations of beauty, darkness and chaos. There’s something about shining a light on those worlds that feels very connected to ‘SLUG’” – BICEP.

Pre-order SLUG now.