When we advised that the world should keep an eye out for Biicla on our 2020 Artists to Watch list, no one could have predicted where his sound was going to take us. Since then, however, the producer and DJ has remained a steady name that draws attention with each new release. Whether it’s remixing guys like Louis the Child, What So Not and Whethan to appearing on labels like Deadbeats, Confession and bitbird, Biicla is a hot commodity. To cement this sentiment, he shared his latest album Yes Place last week.
Yes Place follows-up Biicla’s debut album No Place. Even the album’s first track “Intro (Keeping It Easy)” samples the title track from album one. But where his debut record had more variety between songs, this sophomore LP has tracks that have honed his style of electronica. Case and point: “I’m Not”. The track opens with a gentle beat and this low-sounding, layered vocal provided by collaborator Rome In Silver. The lyrics hint at heartbreak and mental exhaustion while the instrumental carries on a moody, subtle bassline. The chorus’ simple coo and higher register make this an instant attention grabber.
The album is a mix of deeper house cuts like “Cigarettes” and “Mini Skrt” and offbeat jams like “Let Yourself Go (VIP)” and “Never Be Mine”. Thematically, however, the album explores the trials and tribulations of love and lust even when certain songs are in utter emotional contrast to another. For example, “For You” featuring KROY has a romantic sentiment attached to it and an upbeat, bedroom pop vibe. Meanwhile, “Never Be Mine” laments over a relationship the singer is wishing for but is ultimately doomed. But the soundscape of melancholic synths and lo-fi high-hats bind Yes Place in harmony.
Released by the label Good Luck Have Fun, Yes Place by Biicla is available now and definitely worth the listen.
