Where did binsad come from? is a thought that will no doubt cross your cranium after spending 27 minutes with the band on their first outing, pearl. The literal answer is somewhere in Sydney but the more fun answer is they came from the corner of Longing Rd and Venting Ln to deliver 90s-inspired shoegaze bliss. And while this instrumentation makes a massive impression, it’s the immense sense of release across its lyrics that has really stuck with me.
Here’s what I mean: in contemporary music it’s sometimes obvious when a disconnect exists between a singer and their lyrics. Not in the case of binsad, where bassist plus vocalist Sinead Campion sings with so much intent and emotion that when she cries passages like “When I look in the mirror, it’s so unclear” you realise this project is not just words on a page for the author. Rather, binsad is a vehicle for processing complex life experiences. It’s a genuineness that simply can’t be faked.
The band’s Unearthed bio puts it more eloquently: they take moments of “intense sadness or frustration”, sit with those feelings, then focus on the good to remind them “there is always light to be found within darkness.” While I’m glad binsad have a optimistic way of processing hardship, that light at the end of the tunnel is difficult to hear across this project, which revels in the confusion of finding oneself through relationship breakdowns, and reminisces on a difficult past.
The opening track ‘pearl’ seems to takes place before a breakup, with the frontwoman lamenting she’ll struggle to say everything on her mind. ‘paris’ deals with regrets and coming to terms with the time we’ll never get back, with some gorgeous globetrotting lyrics to boot. Meanwhile, ‘days’ is a madly romantic cut, as the singer is tormented by the time in-between seeing her lover.
I wash my mouth out with your soap, so I can carry the taste
You’re staring up at the roof, I’m only minutes away
I know it feels like days
This passage might be my favourite on the album. It reminds me of work from my favourite lyricist, Gareth David from Los Campesinos!, who uses desperately unromantic imagery—tasting soap, for example—to honestly convey his most vivid, irrational lovestruck feelings (see “Let me be the one to keep track of the freckles and moles on your back.”)
My favourite track on pearl, ‘idrwk’, is a blaring declaration of independence as the singer puts shit-talkers in their place. What I love most is how the lyrics subvert the delivery. On paper, the chorus reads: “I don’t really wanna know what you say to your friends, make me out how you want / I don’t really wanna know if you meant what you said, are you running out of breath?” which does not ooze confidence—the addition of really adds a level of uncertainty to her sentiment, in the same way “I don’t really care” doesn’t sound as assured as “I don’t care”. However the absolute force at which the chorus is delivered is freakish! It’s astounding and totally blindsides you.
And all that was to not even mention the quality instrumentation from front to back. binsad have coined a few terms to describe their style: “soft loud”, “gaze rock” and “sweet harsh” among them. I’d say there’s a massive midwest emo influence but if we’re going with made-up descriptors I’ll create my own. It’s “great music”.
binsad are currently on tour supporting pearl. Follow them on Instagram for more information, and stream their music now.
