BINI are Sending “Signals” of Love and Power in New EP

BINI might be operating at their highest frequency yet this 2026. The P-pop octet’s third EP, Signals, arrives right before their historic Coachella debut. Signals demonstrates how BINI’s signature bubblegum pop sound has evolved alongside them as artists. The six tracks are reflective of their identity as young, modern Filipinas — unafraid to express their feelings and ready to make a statement.

Their Coachella performance is not only a major feat for the group, but for the Philippines as they are the first Filipino act to grace the festival stage. This EP proves that members Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Jhoanna, Maloi, Mikha, Sheena, and Stacey are more than ready to represent Filipino excellence on the world’s biggest stages. 

Early Indications of Infection

Through the bubblegum pop sound that they have slowly polished and perfected through Talaarawan and BINIverse, the octet continue to send out invitations to a slumber party in Barbie’s Dreamhouse. Signals is no different, and much like their other projects, it remains a tight packaging of BINI’s identity. Even the tracklist seems to follow the same sonic journey. It starts with a soft landing pad that eases listeners into the larky playground of flirtatiousness.

The fun doesn’t start until the girls start talking about the person that made them “Blush.” This first outing echoes the opener of their last album — the track “First Luv.” The track “Blush” contrasts accented bass drums with crystalline embellishments to capture the dissonance between quickening heartbeats and the floaty feeling you get when you see your crush. This sentiment continues in the next track, “Unang Kilig,” one of the two early peeks into the EP. As indicated by the title, which means “first thrill” in Tagalog, the song takes on a more explosive citypop atmosphere to express that onset of butterflies in your stomach.

It’s not a BINI project without a sugary confection, and Signals offers two. “Honey Honey,” the second pre-release single, isn’t as saccharine as FLAMES’s “Sweet Tooth.” Instead, with its breakbeat progression that echoes UK Garage, the track presents a more velvety glaze that’s reminiscent of “Cherry On Top.” The other is “Sugar Rush,” an upbeat new jack swing track among the likes of Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” and Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time.” The track is an homage to the new jack swing structure, complete with layered harmonies and a celebratory-like post-chorus full of dramatic adlibs. 

Signaling a New Era

Diving into the latter half of the EP, “Tic Tac Toe” is a clever exploration into love, comparing the strategic game to figuring out your crush’s intentions. Producers DaviDior and Shintaro Yasuda, known for their collaborative work on Ariana Grande’s “eternal sunshine” and “the boy is mine,” deliver a dreamy pop beat with 808s that add a tinge of hip-hop flair. BINI ease into the addictive chorus with a playful nudge: “Don’t beat around the bush, don’t beat around the bush / If you know what I mean.” 

Signals comes to a close on a high note with “Step Back.” This track is noticeably more powerful than the sweet vibes noted throughout the EP thus far. From the title alone, you know BINI is about to make a statement. “Step Back” serves independent 2000s diva vibes with its pop R&B fusion and confident lyricism. BINI know their worth, and urge the haters to take a “Step back / I don’t like you like that.” 

If there’s anything that this EP is trying to signal, it’s that BINI has a clear identity. It’s one that contains multitudes, formulated through many facets. It’s something old, something new, something borrowed, but nothing blue — instead, these are Signals of joy, love, and feminine confidence.

Signals is now available to stream on music platforms. Stay updated with BINI by following them on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

Curious about who else is hitting the Coachella coveted stage? Check out EnVi’s list of Asian artists performing at this year’s festival!