After a few years of keeping an eager eye on Ocean Grove based band BIN, there is finally a full-length release to indulge in.
Abandoning their previously low-fi sound, Listen Guys highlights some of the great intricacies that may not have been as noticeable on their previous ‘Moocher EP’.
From the moment ‘Paradise’ kicks in, it’s evident just how much BIN benefits from a crisp recording.
Lachie Baulch’s semi-manic punk vocals are perfectly tied together with the Australian twang of his voice and witty observational lyricism.
‘Going On Going Wrong’ gives off an old school rock vibe with its bridge reminding me slightly of AC/DC’s ‘If You Want Blood’. Not that it sounds similar or is the same notes; just the build and effect it gives to the song made me draw similarities.
Considering when the band originated Lys Mac had never touched a drum kit, songs like ‘Paperback Insomniac’ and ‘Rent’ really highlight a huge advance in her abilities.
‘Clowns’ is easily my favourite BIN song so I was pretty happy to finally have a recorded version of it. There’s just something about the melancholic keys and thought provoking lyrics such as “Why don’t clowns get depressed?” that mesmerises me.
Rounding up the debut release is ‘Age Gap’, the longest song on the album and one I can really see having a life of its own; possessing the perfect sound to find its way into a Surf or Skateboarding film soundtrack. With its riff being the closing moments of the album, it’s fair to say it’ll be stuck in your head for hours, with its subtle complexities really highlighting how well Cal Shortal and Tim Fluker work together as a rhythm section.
Cure your iso blues and give ‘Listen Guys’ a whirl, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
5/5
Independent
Reviewed by Alex Callan
