Signals (Bini EP)

Signals
Standard edition cover
EP by
Bini
ReleasedApril 9, 2026 (2026-04-09)
Studio
  • Academy of Rock
  • Studio Z
Genre
Length17:54
Language
LabelStar
Producer
Bini chronology
Flames
(2025) 		Signals
(2026)
Singles from Signals
  1. "Unang Kilig"
    Released: March 5, 2026

Signals is the third extended play (EP) by Filipino girl group Bini. It was released on April 9, 2026, through Star Music. It consists of six tracks with "Unang Kilig"[a] released as single. The EP has been described as incorporating elements of bubblegum, lounge music, hip-hop, new jack swing, pop, R&B, and UK garage, with punk rock and funk influences in a few tracks. Lyrically, the tracks explore the idea that love takes many forms and is expressed through moments and connections. It was recorded at Academy of Rock, a music school in Quezon City, and Studio Z, also located in the same city. It was produced by Andrew Cuna/Sweater Beats, Davidior, Jacob Munk, Jeremy Glinoga, Kiko "Kikx" Salazar, Michel "Lindgren" Schulz, Christopher "Moophs" Lopez, and Shintaro Yasuda.

Background and release

On February 14, 2026, Valentine's Day, Bini held an event titled Kiligan Fest at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Manila. The show was exclusive to 88 Blooms who signed up for the event.[1] During the event, Bini announced their song "Unang Kilig" (transl. First Kilig).[2] Star Music released it on March 5, 2026,[3] alongside its B-side "Honey Honey", a surprise release[4] under the distribution of The Orchard.[5]

On March 21, 2026, Bini also held a send-off event at Market! Market! in Taguig, drawing around 15,800 fans, and also announcing two concerts scheduled for Bini's fifth anniversary, titled "Signals" for June and July 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and SM Arena Seaside Cebu. An upcoming EP with the same name was also announced.[6][7] Both "Unang Kilig" and "Honey Honey" would be included in the EP Signals.[8]

On April 12, 2026, after the group's Coachella debut performance on the first weekend, Bini would embark on their international concert tour, named after the EP.[9] The group's second world tour will commence at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on June 20 and 21, followed by SM Seaside Cebu Arena on July 11, and will span across multiple countries such as the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, and Taiwan.[10][11]

Composition and lyrics

The EP includes the previously released tracks "Unang Kilig" and "Honey Honey", along with four additional tracks: "Blush", "Tic Tac Toe", "Sugar Rush", and "Step Back".[12] "Unang Kilig" has been described as a retro pop song[4] that explores the uncertainty and excitement of early stage romance.[13] "Honey Honey" is a bubblegum[14] and UK garage track[15] that centers on themes of quiet devotion in a romantic relationship.[16] It also explores the idea that love takes many forms and is expressed through moments and connections.[17] Each track represents a different aspect of love from the initial spark of self confidence and self expression.[17]

"Blush" has been described as a lounge-influenced track featuring tropical drums and a melismatic hook. "Tic Tac Toe" incorporates flirty lyrics, soft vocals, and a "stylish" beat reminiscent of pop hits from the early 2010s.[12] Critics also noted the use of 808 bass machines in the song, adding a hint of hip-hop to the song.[18][15] "Sugar Rush" has been identified as new jack swing,[12] with a punk rock influence.[18] "Step Back" features assertive lyrics alongside chant-driven sections and instrumentation,[12] earning comparisons to songs of Jennifer Lopez and The Pussycat Dolls,[18] as well as "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani.[19]The track has also been described as a "sultry" hip-hop song[20] with funk elements,[19] as well as R&B-pop.[15]

Mark Stefanos of LA Weekly called Signals a bilingual project that moves "seamlessly" between English and Tagalog lyrics.[20] However, "Blush" contains a Cebuano word, "kalami" (so nice), which is repeated several times.[18] "Blush", "Honey Honey", and "Tic Tac Toe" were recorded at the Academy of Rock, a music school in Quezon City. "Unang Kilig" and "Sugar Rush" were recorded in Studio Z, also in Quezon City.[12]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Kasing2[18]

Signals received critical acclaim. Mega's Rafael Bautista wrote that it may be Bini's most cohesive record to date.[21] Samantha Radaza of Kasing2 gave the album five stars out of five, saying that the EP represents Bini in a self-assured and experimental stage, while reinforcing their musical identity.[18]

Jade Diones and Quinn Huang of Envi Media described the record as an evolution of Bini's sound, praising its themes of joy, love, and feminine confidence.[15] Julienne Loreto of Positively Filipino believed that the EP did not introduce new sounds for the group, but lauded it for being "packed" with "irresistible" melodies. They commended "Unang Kilig" for its structured songwriting, crediting producer Jeremy Glinoga for the song's quality. They also singled out "Sugar Rush" as possibly one of the best tracks in Bini's career.[19]

Track listing

Signals track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Blush"
  • Sweater Beats
  • Christina Alyena Kocher
  • Moophs
  • Vincent M. Nantes
  • Lindgren
  • Shintaro Yasuda
3:15
2."Unang Kilig"
  • Glinoga
3:37
3."Honey Honey"
  • Jacob Munk
  • Pontus Kalm
2:38
4."Tic Tac Toe"
  • Alma Goodman
  • Gaby Ramirez
  • Davidior
  • Yasuda
  • Trisha Denise
  • Davidior
  • Yasuda
3:02
5."Sugar Rush"
  • Derick Gernale
  • Francis Louie Salazar
  • Kikx
3:28
6."Step Back"
  • Sweater Beats
  • Kocher
  • Moophs
  • Nantes
  • Sweater Beats
  • Moophs
3:04
Total length:17:54

Notes

  1. ^ Also titled as "Unang Kilig / Honey Honey".

References

  1. ^ Saenz, Rome (February 9, 2026). "Bini Announce 'Kiligan Fest' This Valentine's Day". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on March 12, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  2. ^ Resurreccion, Andros (February 19, 2026). "Bini Celebrate Valentine's and Announce their New Single "Unang Kilig"". &Asian. Archived from the original on March 12, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  3. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (February 16, 2026). "Bini Surprise Blooms With New Single "Honey Honey" – Listen". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on March 13, 2026. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  4. ^ a b Andes, Jane (March 6, 2026). "Bini drops star-studded "Unang Kilig" MV and surprise track". Zeen. Archived from the original on March 13, 2026. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  5. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (February 9, 2026). "Sarah G, Gloc-9, Bamboo rock Wonderful Moments Music Festival". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on February 9, 2026. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
  6. ^ Villanueva, Angelica (March 24, 2026). "Bini attends send-off, thanksgiving mass before Coachella". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on March 30, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  7. ^ Nika, Roque (March 22, 2026). "Bini Announces 'Signals' Concerts, EP". GMA Integrated News. Archived from the original on March 23, 2026. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  8. ^ "Bini announces 'Signals' EP and concert". The Manila Times. March 24, 2026. Archived from the original on March 30, 2026. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
  9. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. "BINI announces 'Signals' world tour after Coachella stint". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
  10. ^ Tangcay, Jazz (April 24, 2026). "Bini Announces 'Signals' World Tour, and Why Coachella Marked a Turning Point in Their Career". Variety. Archived from the original on April 25, 2026. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  11. ^ Benjamin, Jeff (April 24, 2026). "Bini Follow Coachella Breakout With Full Details Of Signals World Tour". Forbes. Archived from the original on April 24, 2026. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  12. ^ a b c d e Loreto, Julienne (April 2, 2026). "Here's Everything You Need to Know About Bini's Upcoming EP, "Signals"". &Asian. Archived from the original on April 2, 2026. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  13. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (March 7, 2026). "Bini brings first-crush magic to life in 'Unang Kilig' music video". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on March 13, 2026. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
  14. ^ Tabbada, Ghilieah Valeska (March 12, 2026). "Bini Reminds Us What 'Unang Kilig' Truly Feels Like". Pulp. Archived from the original on April 3, 2026. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  15. ^ a b c d Diones, Jade; Huang, Quinn (April 13, 2026). "Bini are Sending "Signals" of Love and Power in New EP". Envi Media. Archived from the original on April 17, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  16. ^ Mohan, Sharvamaya (March 9, 2026). "Bini capture the gentle rush of love with back to back singles 'Honey Honey' & 'Unang Kilig'". Bandwagon Asia. Archived from the original on March 30, 2026. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  17. ^ a b "Bini Drops 'Signals' EP, to Debut 'Blush' at Coachella". The Manila Times. April 10, 2026. Archived from the original on April 10, 2026. Retrieved April 10, 2026.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Radaza, Samantha (April 10, 2026). "Review: Signals by Bini (EP)". Kasing2. Archived from the original on April 18, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  19. ^ a b c Loreto, Julienne (April 22, 2026). "Bini's Coachella Breakthrough". Positively Filipino. Archived from the original on April 22, 2026. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  20. ^ a b Stefanos, Mark (April 10, 2026). "Manila to Mojave: Bini Conquers Coachella". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on April 11, 2026. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
  21. ^ Bautista, Rafael (April 11, 2026). "Bini, Lady Gaga, and Doechii Release Our Favorite New Music of the Week". Mega. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
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