Electronic music duo Bicep have taken a daring and innovative approach to their latest project, Takkuuk, set to be released on July 25, 2025. In collaboration with EarthSonic and several Indigenous Arctic artists, including Greenlandic throat singers Silla, rapper Tarrak, and singer Katarina Barruk, the album blends Bicep’s signature electronic beats with traditional Arctic sounds. The title, Takkuuk, comes from the Inuktitut language, meaning “look,” a reference to the duo’s desire to draw the world’s attention to the pressing issue of climate change and the environmental threats facing Arctic communities.
The album’s creation is as compelling as its final product. Bicep’s Andy Ferguson, known for his work as part of the duo, ventured to Greenland in April 2023 to record sounds from the Arctic, including the sounds of melting glaciers, the wind, and the vast, quiet expanses of the region. It was here that Ferguson began crafting the conceptual framework for Takkuuk. These raw, natural sounds form the foundation of the album’s unique soundscape, which merges the traditional with the modern, the organic with the synthetic.
Fusing Traditional and Electronic Soundscapes
The result is an album that not only challenges traditional electronic music boundaries but also explores a new musical genre that blends ancient sounds with cutting-edge technology. Bicep’s signature techno beats and rhythmic intensity are seamlessly layered with throat singing, drumming, and other Indigenous sounds that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Arctic. These two distinct musical traditions create a sound that is immersive, haunting, and otherworldly.
The Indigenous collaborators on Takkuuk bring a unique perspective to the project, their voices serving as both a reminder of the region’s cultural richness and a call to action for the preservation of these communities and their way of life. The throat singing on tracks like “Ice Cradle” and “Echoes of Ice” provides a deep, resonant quality that contrasts beautifully with Bicep’s synthesized beats. It’s a fusion of modern and ancient sounds that challenges listeners to think about the future of our planet and the importance of preserving its cultural diversity.
Environmental Advocacy through Music
Beyond the music itself, Takkuuk is a bold statement on the environmental crisis facing the Arctic and the world at large. As Ferguson told The Guardian, “The sounds we recorded were not just a reflection of the beauty of the place, but a testament to the crisis it’s undergoing. Greenland is melting faster than we anticipated, and it’s crucial that we amplify these voices and raise awareness.”
The album is more than a musical release—it’s a call to action. It’s an urgent reminder of the environmental degradation happening in the Arctic, a region that is experiencing the fastest rate of climate change. The track “Thaw” features recordings from the rapidly retreating Russell Glacier, where Ferguson and his team captured the sounds of the ice breaking apart. These sounds serve as a stark sonic metaphor for the state of the planet and the challenges facing Arctic communities.
The project also includes a documentary component, where fans and viewers will be able to see the journey of creating the album and hear directly from Indigenous activists and scientists about the impact of climate change. The documentary aims to create a deeper emotional connection to the issue, urging listeners not only to appreciate the beauty of the Arctic but to take action in support of its preservation.
Global Tour and Impact
To accompany the release of Takkuuk, Bicep is embarking on a global tour that will feature performances of the album alongside a multi-sensory installation experience. The premiere of the project will take place in London on July 3, 2025, at the Outernet, where fans will experience the fusion of music, visuals, and environmental messaging firsthand. The immersive installation will combine the electronic soundscape of Takkuuk with visuals of the Arctic landscape, providing an emotionally charged experience that underscores the urgency of climate change.
As Bicep continues to build their global fanbase, they hope that Takkuuk will inspire others to take action and raise awareness about the importance of environmental preservation. The collaboration with Indigenous artists highlights the need to protect not only the natural environment but also the cultures and traditions of those who have lived in harmony with the land for generations.
With Takkuuk, Bicep demonstrates the powerful intersection of music, art, and activism. By combining electronic beats with the ancient sounds of the Arctic, they have created an album that is as much a political statement as it is a musical innovation. The project is a profound reminder that music can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring change.
