REVIEW: Bicurious – Afterthoughts
- Paul Cutts
- May 4
- 3 min read
As of 2026, it has been a decade since Taran Plouzané and Gavin Purcell formed the formidable post-rock duo BICURIOUS. They first made a lot of noise in Dublin, Ireland for a handful of riff-hungry concert goers with early tracks such as Sugar Beats, before gradually taking their thrilling energy to what’s now a mighty fanbase throughout Europe. They hail two full length albums, the first being re(constructed) in 2021, then in 2024 they released Your life Is Over Now…, a highly personal, heavy hitting record that demonstrated both members’ vigorous passion.
After touring the latest LP extensively for 2 years, the duo isn’t quite ready to reel it in, revealing a handful of B-sides from YLION that didn’t quite make the cut, but were too good to keep hidden for long, as well as stripped back acoustic takes on a few favourites that did make it. Both members keep up the quality we’ve seen from them lately with Afterthoughts, what feels like a victory lap for both fans and themselves.
First single and opening track Papa kicks off strong, with Purcell’s punchy drumming and Plouzané’s slick guitarwork immediately demanding attention leading into the dense track, followed by the unfamiliar shouting of French lyrics, the first attempt by Plouzané to incorporate his childhood language into his writing. Despite the language barrier for most native fans, the song remains sonically cohesive, staying true to the band’s loud and lashing nature. It’s an authentic track that expels energy and confidence with its grit and power, climaxing as a culmination of sound roaring into your ears before suddenly ceasing all noise, bar the wailing guitar that opens the song to come full circle.
The following track I Talk About You In Therapy is an immediate bop, being a spiteful track about an ex that the speaker despises for causing him anguish, with lines such as “I talk about how you crippled me” bluntly stating the level of pain caused through the relationship. For BICURIOUS’ standards it’s a fairly transient song, it’s straight to the point and knows not to overstay its welcome, with a sound comparable to early 2000s post rock bangers. It’s understandable as to why this track was left out of the LP, but we could easily see this being a hit with fans. Foetal is another highlight, a brooding, in your face tune that smacks you with boisterous force through relentless instrumental noise and harsh, stellar vocals, you truly cannot underestimate these songs for being B-sides.
Moving onto the acoustic versions of existing songs, the poignant delivery enhanced by Plouzané’s acoustic guitar and cello, performed by Stella Spieß, combines to offer a fresh approach towards what once were belters to fling your hair around over, now beautiful renditions that tug at the soul. The acoustic take on Uncle Kevin in particular is arguably even more impactful than the original heavier version, as the emotional themes of the song cut deeper with the stripped back percussion and additional cello, harmonising with the vocals in such a manner that truly completes the atmosphere built by the heartbreaking writing. The remaining versions all do their original counterparts justice, by re-inventing the delivery to depict the songs in a new light, such as Irish Summer Day (Acoustic), where the plucky guitar and floaty strings compliment the theme of longing impeccably. The delicate ambience aids the listener’s understanding of what the lyrics speak of and knowing that they all come from a genuine place in Plouzané’s heart, some being true stories, gives these versions all the more reason to exist.
While Afterthoughts doesn’t necessarily offer much in terms of flavour or uniqueness for BICURIOUS’ discography, the consistency in ability to produce songs ripe for both neck and soul remain undamaged. The duo continues to plant their status as a must-see act across the European rock scene, and they simply refuse to slow down for anything. BICURIOUS is touring Germany between the 20th to 23rd of May, as well as performing at 2000 Trees festival in July.
Score: 8/10
Afterthoughts will be released on 15th May 2026 via Big Scary Monsters Records.
Words: Paul Cutts
Photos: Bicurious
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