Having built a solid through their DIY mentality for the best part of eight years, Irish duo Bicurious have levelled up by joining with renowned independent label, Big Scary Monsters for their second full-length. Besides its gloomy title, ‘Your Life Is Over Now…’ sees Gavin Purcell and Taran Plouzane deliver a melodically strong offering.
Where 2021’s ‘(re)constructed’ emphasised Purcell and Plouzane’s musicianship, this outing sees the duo explore their songwriting ability. However, their musical strength is never sacrificed. Toeing the line between alt-rock and math-rock with hints of post-rock, Bicurious’ harmonious charm is reminiscent of Biffy Clyro and Press to MECO. Songs such as ‘Uncle Kevin’ and ‘Monday Afternoon’ are bold in their melodies and instrumentation. It makes for an exciting listen.
For all their towering melodies, there’s still a ruggedness to Bicurious. Album opener ‘Coming Around’ begins drenched in fuzzy feedback, and soon thrives due to the first of many sharp riffs. ‘Gutless’ explodes in its chorus with jagged guitars and upbeat pacing. ‘Magic Marker’ reigns in the heaviness, allowing a softer Bicurious to emerge before building to a grandoise finale.
The closing handful of tracks steamrolls their way through with consistent vigour. ‘Blind’ maintains the pair’s acute heavy sound with soaring harmonies battling twisting riffs. becoming one of the highlights here. Likewise, ‘Irish Summer Day’ surges with density, only to momentarily slow things down spaciously. The penultimate track, ‘Acrylic Fences’, captures their muscular sound perfectly with its tight rhythm, chugging guitars, and buoyant hook.
It may have taken 18 months, three countries, five recording studios, and a helping hand from a crowdfunding campaign, but it’s been worth it. Bicurious and ‘Your Life is Over Now…’ is a thoroughly enjoyable album that grows with every listen. While musically not as quite as diverse as before, it’s made up for by a tight, consistent batch of songs.
‘Your Life is Over Now…’ by Bicurious is out now on Big Scary Monsters.
