Track of the Day: 'Atlas' by Bicep

Back with their first single since 2018, Bicep have released this powerful, brooding track which positively throbs with dark vibes. Calling to mind Four Tet, Aphex Twin and Underworld, it's sure to set dancefloors and gigs alight once we're all allowed to go back outside. Until then you'll just have to turn it up LOUD at home and dance on your own, isolation style.

'Atlas' will be released physically on Ninja Tune on April 2nd.

New band of the day: JOHN

Fresh from a European tour slot supporting IDLES, this noisy two-piece look set to start making waves in the UK. Hailing from Crystal Palace, two guys, both called John, have come together to bring you a sounds that's much larger and rounded than you would imagine from 4 arms and 4 legs. Adding some thoughtful lyrics to the their meaty, bouncy rock ensures that this duo should rise above their peers. Apparently they're awesome live too so get yourself along to one of their shows, and in the meantime have a listen to their debut album 'God Speed in the National Limit' below.

Recommended music: 'Foam Island' by Darkstar

On their new album for Warp the electronic duo have created an electronic reflection on northern Britain (specifically Huddersfield) in 2015. It's a brilliant encapsulation of the thoughts and emotions of young people in the town, showing both the good and bad sides without passing judgement on either. The theme allows the band to create possibly their most cohesive album to date - as it takes you on a journey through various rhythms and styles, from the upbeat to more ambient tracks, it never loses its focus or sense of purpose.

The titular 'Foam Island' (a euphemism for this once green and pleasant land) is definitely one of the highlights, full of deft electronic touches, while 'Stoke The Fire' is a brilliant slice of electro-pop with an ultra-catchy melody that showcases the best of their song-writing. The most abrasive track here is closer 'Days Burn Blue', which I guess is what you'd expect from a song that was written while the votes were being counted for the bastard Conservative Party's victory in the last election.

I've listened to this record a number of times over the past week and can honestly say that it still gets better and better with each hearing. Concept albums (for that's effectively what this is) can be a hard thing to pull off, but they've done it with aplomb here.

Track of the Day: 'Wearing Leather, Wearing Fur' by Juan Wauters and Carmelle

I got this track as part of the Rough Trade 'Tracks of the Week' download that I subscribe to (you can subscribe here). I really didn't know what to expect when I started listening to it on the train home, but it's fair to say it gripped me pretty much from the start, and I had to find out more about it as soon as I could. Fresh out from Brooklyn label Captured Tracks, this 13 minute track is more a suite of songs than a single track. Carmelle starts proceedings with a part about not wearing make-up and letting your skin breathe, and from there it rolls on - spoken word from Juan, some stuff about James Brown, a few jointly sung verses, some instrumental passages and more. Sparse and bare, with just acoustic guitar and melodica, it somehow manages to keep your attention throughout. With general themes of identity and personal freedom it's quite unlike anything else you'll hear today. There's something about Carmelle's voice that reminds me of Nico, and it's fair to say this track would be equally at home in the 60s or 70s, but it probably makes more of an impact now as it stands out so much from the rest of the crowd.