Atlas (Bicep song)

"Atlas" originated from a vocal sample of Israeli singer Ofra Haza's a capella track "Love Song", written by Bezalel Aloni for Haza's album, Shaday (1988). Bicep discovered Haza while searching for Italo disco records at the Stoke Newington record shop, Lucky Seven, where they bought her 1986 album, Broken Days. After exploring the singer's back catalogue, the duo were overwhelmed by the "cathartic energy" of "Love Song".{{cite web|url=http://bicepmusic.com/samples.php|title=Samples|publisher=Bicepmusic.com|access-date=12 July 2021}}

Bicep produced "Atlas" using a combination of new and 40-year old equipment.{{cite web|url=http://www.ele-king.net/interviews/007997/index-2.php|title=UKダンス・ミュージックの新たな大器、ここに登場──バイセップ、インタヴュー|language=ja|trans-title=interview with Bicep UK A new dance music tycoon is here {{!}} Bicep, Interview|website=ele-king|last=Aoyama|first=Midori|date=22 January 2021|access-date=12 July 2021}} The track was recorded at the newly built studio they used after returning from tour in early 2019. The focus was to create a track that would translate memorably in a live setting, but also give them flexibility to play it differently from show to show.{{cite web|url=https://ninjatune.net/release/bicep/atlas|title=Atlas / Bicep / Release|publisher=Ninja Tune|access-date=16 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/bicep-isles-apricot-1069379/|title=Bicep Preview 'Isles' LP With 'Apricots'|last=Leight|first=Elias|website=Rolling Stone|date=6 October 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}} Multiple versions of the song were recorded with many changes made throughout the process. "It was one of those tracks that didn't come together quickly," the duo said.{{cite web|url=https://djmag.com/longreads/dj-mag-s-best-british-awards-2020-winners|title=DJ Mag's Best Of British Awards 2020: the winners|website=DJ Mag|date=20 December 2020|access-date=13 July 2021}} Bicep describe it as their attempt at summarising the euphoric experiences they had on the tour.{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2020/03/stream-bicep-atlas-new-single/ |title=Stream Bicep - "Atlas"|last=Schatz|first=Lake|website=Consequence|date=25 March 2020|access-date=15 April 2022}} According to them, "Atlas" achieved what they had long strived to create by introducing the storytelling element missing in their live sets.{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/electronicmusic/comments/lg5ma2/comment/gmpsx73/|title=Bicep AMA|website=Reddit|date=9 February 2021|access-date=16 April 2022}} Mastered by Matt Colton at Metropolis Studios, it was the first song Bicep completed for their second album, Isles.{{cite podcast|last=Kennedy|first=John|author-link=John Kennedy (radio broadcaster)|title=TN:62 Bicep|publisher=Tape Notes|date=15 February 2021|url=https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/tape-notes/tn62-bicep-4aUWJIkhPQZ/#1|access-date=12 July 2021}}

"Atlas" is a breakbeat and house song,{{cite magazine|title=New Albums: Bicep - Isles|last=Dalton|first=Stephen|magazine=Uncut|page=25|date=February 2021|issn=1368-0722}}{{cite web|url=https://ra.co/reviews/24888|title=Bicep - Atlas · Single Review|last=Ryce|first=Andrew|website=Resident Advisor|date=25 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}} composed in the key of G-sharp minor with a tempo of 129 beats per minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.beatport.com/track/atlas/13351751|title=Atlas (Original Mix) by Bicep|publisher=Beatport|access-date=16 April 2022}} It opens with an off-kilter drum beat, 1990s ambient-style pads,{{cite web|url=https://dancingastronaut.com/2020/03/bicep-returns-with-first-single-in-two-years-atlas/|title=Bicep returns with first single in two years, 'Atlas'|last=Rose|first=Mitchell|website=Dancing Astronaut |date=25 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/bicep_isles_album_review|title=Bicep's Trance Formula Works Most of the Time on 'Isles'|last=Pearson|first=Luke|website=Exclaim!|date=19 January 2021|access-date=16 April 2022}} and the feint, floating Haza vocal sample which forms the foundation of the song.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/first-spin-duck-sauce-camelphat-new-dance-songs-9345116/|title=First Spin: The Week's Best New Dance Tracks From Duck Sauce, CamelPhat, Seven Lions & More|last=Bein|first=Katie|website=Billboard|date=27 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-bicep-isles/|title=Album Review: Bicep – Isles|last=O'Malley|first=Gareth|website=Beats Per Minute|date=26 January 2021|access-date=16 April 2022}} The layers and texture of the electronics, together with the breakbeat percussion and vocals from "Love Song" create a musical juxtaposition.{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/reviews/3395293/album-review-bicep-isles|title=Album Review: Bicep - Isles|last=Lindevall|first=Sofie|website=Gigwise|date=20 January 2021|access-date=16 April 2022}} After slowly building, the heavily modulated hook is introduced with arpeggios in low-frequency oscillation,{{cite web|url=https://www.euphoriazine.com/blog/2020/04/music/tracks-bicep-atlas/|title=Bicep are back with new house track 'Atlas'|last=Rowley|first=Niall|website=EUPHORIA.|date=2 April 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://djmag.fr/chroniques/5017-bicep-isle-ninja-tune|title=Bicep - Isle (Ninja Tune)|language=fr|website=DJ Mag|access-date=16 April 2022}} and a skittering, trance synth line, setting the track's moody and melancholy tone.

The double pitched synth-percussion acts as the song's melody and the beat uses a woodblock and textural ride instead of hi-hats. The drums mostly stay the same throughout, but the track builds in tension by use of subtle dynamics without detracting from the central hook. As "Atlas" progresses, sub-bass and heavy bass drums are added. The beat is electronic, although the drums sound live mainly due to the timbre of its layers.{{cite web|url=https://www.attackmagazine.com/technique/beat-dissected/bicep-style-breakbeats/|title=Bicep-Style Breakbeats|last=Esen|first=Aykan|website=Attack Magazine|date=19 November 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}} According to Gareth O'Malley of Beats Per Minute, the song contrasts escapism with introspection.

Bicep first teased "Atlas" during a performance at The Warehouse Project in Manchester in November 2019. The song premiered on BBC Radio 1's' Annie Mac show on 24 March 2020.{{cite web|url=https://fielddayfestivals.com/new-single-bicep-atlas/|title=New single: Bicep – Atlas|website=Field Day|date=24 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}} It was released through independent record label Ninja Tune on digital and streaming platforms shortly thereafter as the first single from Isles.{{cite web|url=https://www.qobuz.com/se-en/album/atlas-bicep/f3aw52xum1e6b|title=Album Atlas, Bicep|website=Qobuz|access-date=16 April 2022}} A "trippy" looped visualiser was shared on YouTube to accompany the release. The cover art for "Atlas" was designed by Degrau.

The single was initially planned to coincide with Bicep's Brixton Academy live shows later in 2020, but the release was brought forward following the postponement of the shows due the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://beatsperminute.com/bicep-return-with-new-single-atlas/|title=Bicep return with new single 'Atlas'|last=Hakiman|first=Rob|website=Beats Per Minute|date=25 March 2020|access-date=12 July 2021}} On 3 April 2020, "Atlas" was released in a 12-inch vinyl format.{{cite web|url=https://crackmagazine.net/2020/03/bicep-atlas/|title=Bicep release captivating new single Atlas|last=Yeung|first=Vivian|website=Crack Magazine|date=24 March 2020|access-date=16 April 2022}} It was also released as a bundle with a double LP of Bicep's 2017 self-titled debut album in a gatefold wallet with printed inners, a download code and one of four different cover arts (selected at random). In May 2020, the song was A-listed by British alternative music radio station BBC Radio 6 Music,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5JDPyPdDGs3yCLdtPhGgWM7/bbc-radio-6-music-playlist|title=BBC Radio 6 Music Playlist|website=BBC Radio 6 Music|access-date=17 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521034550/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5JDPyPdDGs3yCLdtPhGgWM7/bbc-radio-6-music-playlist|archive-date=21 May 2020|url-status=dead}} and C-listed by BBC Radio 1, making it Bicep's first single to be playlisted by the latter popular music station.{{cite web |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/ninja-tune-flex-their-marketing-muscles-for-bicep-s-second-album/082445|title=Ninja Tune flex their marketing muscles for Bicep's second album|website=Music Week |date=22 January 2021|access-date=16 April 2022}}

"Atlas" received positive reviews from music critics. Reef Younis of Loud and Quiet wrote that Bicep creatively channeled emotions into euphoria, describing the track as "slow-burn magic".{{cite web|url=https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/bicep-isles/|title=Bicep - Isles - Album Review|last=Younis|first=Reef|website=Loud and Quiet|date=18 January 2021|access-date=18 April 2022}} Gigwise{{'}}s Sofie Lindevall highlighted the depth of layers and texture in the electronics, and said "waves of euphonic yet achingly nostalgic synths" instantly draw you in. Evening Standard critic David Smyth felt the breakbeats "kick with considerable heft",{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/bicep-isles-review-new-album-b900583.html|title=Bicep - Isles review: great listening now - but I can’t wait to hear it live|last=Smyth|first=David|website=Evening Standard|date=22 January 2021|access-date=18 April 2022}} while Luke Pearson of Exclaim! found them "expertly-crafted", and praised the agility of the lead melody.

In The Guardian, Alexis Petridis likened the combination of electronics, vocals and beats to The Future Sound of London's "Papua New Guinea" and Orbital's "Halcyon".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jan/21/bicep-isles-review|title=Bicep: Isles review – dance duo create the ultimate living-room rave|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|author-link=Alexis Petridis|website=The Guardian|date=21 January 2021|access-date=12 July 2021}} In a review for Uncut magazine, Stephen Dalton agreed with the latter comparison, noting that the "galloping breakbeat euphoria and soaring vocals recall vintage Orbital." Some reviewers compared the song to the sound of Bicep's self-titled debut album, particularly the single "Glue".{{cite web|url=https://diymag.com/2021/01/21/bicep-isles-album-review|title=Bicep - Isles review|last=Taylor|first=Chris|website=DIY|date=21 January 2021|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://ra.co/reviews/33467|title=Bicep - Isles · Album Review|last=Hawthorn|first=Carlos|website=Resident Advisor|date=22 January 2021|access-date=18 April 2022}} A critic from The Wire magazine regarded it as a reset of the formula of the aforementioned track,{{cite magazine|title=Bicep - Isles|page=61|magazine=The Wire|date=March 2021|issue=445|issn=0952-0686}} while Chris Taylor of DIY cited it as the nearest relative on Isles to the 2017 song, but argued that "Atlas" had its own distinct feel. Similarly, Resident Advisor{{'}}s Carlos Hawthorn, who called the track the "Glue" of Isles, said it refreshed the texture with a new energy and louder tone, deeming it "a modular earworm".

B. Sassons of PopMatters believed "Atlas" evolved Bicep's sound with maturity, hailing it as "a how-to guide on creating an expansive and highly developed piece with limited melodic material."{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/bicep-isles-review-2649941174.html|title=Bicep Flex New Talents on Sophomore Release 'Isles'|last=Sassons|first=B.|website=PopMatters|date=19 January 2021|access-date=18 April 2022}} O'Malley shared a similar view; he commented that the hook and sample provided a "bittersweet update of their established sound". On the other hand, Ben Cardew of Pitchfork wrote that although Bicep sound "miserable" on the song, it has "a wonderfully hangdog feel".{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/bicep-isles/|title=Bicep: Isles Album Review|last=Cardew|first=Ben|website=Pitchfork|date=22 January 2021|access-date=18 April 2022}} "Atlas" won Best Track at the 2020 DJ Mag Best of British Awards.

Upon release, the single debuted at number 33 on the UK Dance Singles Chart,{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/20200403/104/|title=Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=17 April 2022}} and at number 90 on the Irish Singles Chart, becoming Bicep's first single to chart in Ireland. "Atlas" also entered the UK Vinyl Singles Chart at number three.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/vinyl-singles-chart/20200410/897/|title=Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=12 July 2021}} Following the release of Isles in January 2021, "Atlas" re-entered the UK Dance Singles Chart at a new peak of number 25, and debuted at number 91 on the UK Singles Chart.

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Atlas"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Bicep|title=Atlas|award=Silver|relyear=2020|certyear=2025|id=20544-5250-1|access-date=6 June 2025}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

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Category:2020 singles

Category:2020 songs

Category:Ninja Tune singles

Category:Electronic instrumentals