{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Use Philippine English|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox album | artist = Bini | cover = Signals (2026) by Bini art cover.jpg | alt = | caption = Standard edition cover | released = {{Start date|2026|04|09}} | genre = {{hlist|Bubblegum pop|lounge music|hip-hop|new jack swing|pop|R&B|UK garage}} | length = {{Duration|m=17|s=54}} | language = {{hlist|English|Tagalog|Cebuano}} | studio = {{hlist|Academy of Rock|Studio Z}} | label = Star | producer = {{hlist|Sweater Beats|Davidior|Jacob Munk|Jeremy Glinoga|Kikx|Lindgren|Moophs|Shintaro Yasuda}} | prev_title = Flames | prev_year = 2025 | year = 2026 | next_title = | next_year = | misc = {{Singles | name = Signals | type = EP | single1 = Unang Kilig | single1date = March 5, 2026 }} | name = Signals | type = EP }}
'''''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"{{efn|Also titled as "'''Unang Kilig / Honey Honey'''".}} 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.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saenz |first=Rome |date=February 9, 2026 |title=Bini Announce 'Kiligan Fest' This Valentine's Day |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-announce-kiligan-fest-this-valentines-day/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vfAbZ |archive-date=March 12, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |magazine=Billboard Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref> During the event, Bini announced their song "Unang Kilig" ({{translation|First Kilig}}).<ref name="AA1">{{Cite magazine |last=Resurreccion |first=Andros |date=February 19, 2026 |title=Bini Celebrate Valentine's and Announce their New Single "Unang Kilig" |url=https://andasian.com/bini-celebrate-valentines-and-announce-their-new-single-unang-kilig/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260312091701/https://andasian.com/bini-celebrate-valentines-and-announce-their-new-single-unang-kilig/ |archive-date=March 12, 2026 |access-date=February 20, 2026 |magazine=&Asian |language=en-GB}}</ref> Star Music released it on March 5, 2026,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saulog |first=Gabriel |date=February 16, 2026 |title=Bini Surprise Blooms With New Single "Honey Honey" – Listen |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-surprise-blooms-with-new-single-honey-honey-listen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313232328/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/bini-surprise-blooms-with-new-single-honey-honey-listen/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |magazine=Billboard Philippines |language=en-PH}}</ref> alongside its B-side "Honey Honey", a surprise release<ref name="ZEEN1">{{Cite magazine |last=Andes |first=Jane |date=March 6, 2026 |title=Bini drops star-studded "Unang Kilig" MV and surprise track |url=https://zeenmedia.com/bini-drops-star-studded-unang-kilig-mv-and-surprise-track/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313232658/https://zeenmedia.com/bini-drops-star-studded-unang-kilig-mv-and-surprise-track/ |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |website=Zeen |language=en-PH}}</ref> under the distribution of The Orchard.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Severo |first=Jan Milo |date=February 9, 2026 |title=Sarah G, Gloc-9, Bamboo rock Wonderful Moments Music Festival |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2026/02/09/2506827/sarah-g-gloc-9-bamboo-rock-wonderful-moments-music-festival |access-date=February 20, 2026 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |archive-date=February 9, 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209093917/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2026/02/09/2506827/sarah-g-gloc-9-bamboo-rock-wonderful-moments-music-festival |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Villanueva |first=Angelica |date=March 24, 2026 |title=Bini attends send-off, thanksgiving mass before Coachella |url=https://manilastandard.net/showbiz/music-concerts/314719360/bini-attends-send-off-thanksgiving-mass-before-coachella.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330043413/https://manilastandard.net/showbiz/music-concerts/314719360/bini-attends-send-off-thanksgiving-mass-before-coachella.html#google_vignette |archive-date=March 30, 2026 |access-date=March 24, 2026 |newspaper=Manila Standard |language=en-PH}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Nika |first=Roque |date=March 22, 2026 |title=Bini Announces 'Signals' Concerts, EP |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/980921/bini-signals-anniversary-concert-ep/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260323091801/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/980921/bini-signals-anniversary-concert-ep/story/ |archive-date=March 23, 2026 |access-date=March 22, 2026 |work=GMA Integrated News |language=en-PH}}</ref> Both "Unang Kilig" and "Honey Honey" would be included in the EP ''Signals''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 24, 2026 |title=Bini announces ‘Signals’ EP and concert |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/26/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/bini-announces-signals-ep-and-concert/2307218 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330042850/https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/26/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/bini-announces-signals-ep-and-concert/2307218 |archive-date=March 30, 2026 |access-date=March 30, 2026 |work=The Manila Times}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Llemit |first=Kathleen A. |title=BINI announces ‘Signals’ world tour after Coachella stint |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/music/2026/04/12/2520477/bini-announces-signals-world-tour-after-coachella-stint |access-date=2026-04-12 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Tangcay |first=Jazz |date=April 24, 2026 |title=Bini Announces 'Signals' World Tour, and Why Coachella Marked a Turning Point in Their Career |url=https://variety.com/2026/music/news/bini-signals-world-tour-coachella-1236728849/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260425094128/https://variety.com/2026/music/news/bini-signals-world-tour-coachella-1236728849/ |archive-date=April 25, 2026 |access-date=April 25, 2026 |magazine=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Benjamin |first=Jeff |date=April 24, 2026 |title=Bini Follow Coachella Breakout With Full Details Of Signals World Tour |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbenjamin/2026/04/24/bini-follow-coachella-breakout-with-full-details-of-signals-world-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260424152246/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbenjamin/2026/04/24/bini-follow-coachella-breakout-with-full-details-of-signals-world-tour/ |archive-date=April 24, 2026 |access-date=April 25, 2026 |magazine=Forbes |language=en-US}}</ref>
== 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".<ref name="ASIAN-2">{{Cite news | last=Loreto | first=Julienne | date=April 2, 2026 |title=Here's Everything You Need to Know About Bini's Upcoming EP, "Signals"|url=https://andasian.com/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-binis-upcoming-ep-signals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260402114356/https://andasian.com/heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-binis-upcoming-ep-signals/ |archive-date=April 2, 2026 |access-date=April 2, 2026 |magazine=&Asian | language=en-GB}}</ref> "Unang Kilig" has been described as a retro pop song<ref name="ZEEN1"/> that explores the uncertainty and excitement of early stage romance.<ref name="DT1">{{Cite news |last=Fernando |first=Jefferson |date=March 7, 2026 |title=Bini brings first-crush magic to life in 'Unang Kilig' music video |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/07/bini-brings-first-crush-magic-to-life-in-unang-kilig-music-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260313233053/https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/07/bini-brings-first-crush-magic-to-life-in-unang-kilig-music-video |archive-date=March 13, 2026 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |newspaper=Daily Tribune |language=en-PH}}</ref> "Honey Honey" is a bubblegum<ref name="PULP1">{{Cite magazine |last=Tabbada |first=Ghilieah Valeska |date=March 12, 2026 |title=Bini Reminds Us What 'Unang Kilig' Truly Feels Like |url=https://pulpmagazine.com/article/2113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403062614/https://pulpmagazine.com/article/2113 |archive-date=April 3, 2026 |access-date=March 13, 2026 |magazine=Pulp |language=en-PH}}</ref> and UK garage track<ref name="envi"/> that centers on themes of quiet devotion in a romantic relationship.<ref name="BA1">{{Cite news |last=Mohan |first=Sharvamaya |date=March 9, 2026 |title=Bini capture the gentle rush of love with back to back singles 'Honey Honey' & 'Unang Kilig' |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/bini-capture-the-gentle-rush-of-love-with-back-to-back-singles-honey-honey-unang-kilig-watch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260330043127/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/sb19-unveils-fiery-album-wakas-at-simula-spanning-24-tracks/increase_visit |archive-date=March 30, 2026 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Bandwagon Asia |language=en}}</ref> It also explores the idea that love takes many forms and is expressed through moments and connections.<ref name="manilatimes" /> Each track represents a different aspect of love from the initial spark of self confidence and self expression.<ref name="manilatimes">{{Cite news |date=April 10, 2026 |title=Bini Drops 'Signals' EP, to Debut 'Blush' at Coachella |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/10/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/bini-drops-signals-ep-to-debut-blush-at-coachella/2317854 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260410145330/https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/10/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/bini-drops-signals-ep-to-debut-blush-at-coachella/2317854 |archive-date=April 10, 2026 |access-date=April 10, 2026 |newspaper=The Manila Times |language=en-PH}}</ref>
"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.<ref name="ASIAN-2"/> Critics also noted the use of 808 bass machines in the song, adding a hint of hip-hop to the song.<ref name="kasing2"/><ref name="envi"/> "Sugar Rush" has been identified as new jack swing,<ref name="ASIAN-2"/> with a punk rock influence.<ref name="kasing2"/> "Step Back" features assertive lyrics alongside chant-driven sections and instrumentation,<ref name="ASIAN-2"/> earning comparisons to songs of Jennifer Lopez and The Pussycat Dolls,<ref name="kasing2"/> as well as "Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani.<ref name="positively">{{Cite magazine | last=Loreto | first=Julienne | date=April 22, 2026 | title=Bini's Coachella Breakthrough | url=https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/binis-coachella-breakthrough | magazine=Positively Filipino | language=en-US | access-date=April 22, 2026 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260422181207/https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/binis-coachella-breakthrough | archive-date=April 22, 2026 | url-status=live}}</ref>The track has also been described as a "sultry" hip-hop song<ref name="la-weekly">{{Cite news |last=Stefanos |first=Mark |date=April 10, 2026 |title=Manila to Mojave: Bini Conquers Coachella |url=https://www.laweekly.com/manila-to-mojave-bini-conquers-coachella/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260411124152/https://www.laweekly.com/manila-to-mojave-bini-conquers-coachella/ |archive-date=April 11, 2026 |access-date=April 11, 2026 |newspaper=LA Weekly |language=en-US}}</ref> with funk elements,<ref name="positively"/> as well as R&B-pop.<ref name="envi"/>
Mark Stefanos of ''LA Weekly'' called ''Signals'' a bilingual project that moves "seamlessly" between English and Tagalog lyrics.<ref name="la-weekly"/> However, "Blush" contains a Cebuano word, "''kalami''" (so nice), which is repeated several times.<ref name="kasing2"/> "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.<ref name="ASIAN-2"/>
== Reception == {{Music ratings | rev1 = ''Kasing2'' | rev1score = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="kasing2">{{Cite magazine |last=Radaza |first=Samantha |date=April 10, 2026 |title=Review: Signals by Bini (EP) |url=https://kasing2.com/2026/04/10/review-signals-by-bini-ep/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260418062713/https://kasing2.com/2026/04/10/review-signals-by-bini-ep/ |archive-date=April 18, 2026 |access-date=April 17, 2026 |magazine=Kasing2 |language=en-PH}}</ref>}}
''Signals'' received critical acclaim. ''Mega''{{'s}} Rafael Bautista wrote that it may be Bini's most cohesive record to date.<ref name="mega-1">{{Cite magazine | date=April 11, 2026 | last=Bautista | first=Rafael | title=Bini, Lady Gaga, and Doechii Release Our Favorite New Music of the Week | url=https://mega-asia.com/lifestyle/culture/bini-lady-gaga-doechii-favorite-new-music-of-the-week/ | magazine=Mega | language=en-PH | access-date=April 11, 2026}}</ref> 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.<ref name="kasing2"/>
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.<ref name="envi">{{Cite magazine | last1=Diones | first1=Jade | last2=Huang | first2=Quinn | date=April 13, 2026 | title=Bini are Sending "Signals" of Love and Power in New EP | url=https://envimedia.co/bini-are-sending-signals-of-love-and-power-in-new-ep/ | language=en-US | magazine=Envi Media | access-date=April 17, 2026 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260417142628/https://envimedia.co/bini-are-sending-signals-of-love-and-power-in-new-ep/ | archive-date=April 17, 2026 | url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="positively"/>
== Track listing == {{Track listing | headline = ''Signals'' track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 17:54 | title1 = Blush | length1 = 3:15 | writer1 = {{hlist|Sweater Beats|Christina Alyena Kocher|Moophs|Vincent M. Nantes}} | extra1 = {{hlist|Lindgren|Shintaro Yasuda}} | title2 = Unang Kilig | length2 = 3:37 | writer2 = {{hlist|Jeremy Glinoga}} | extra2 = {{hlist|Glinoga}} | title3 = Honey Honey | length3 = 2:38 | writer3 = {{hlist|Jacob Munk|Pontus Kalm|Greg Shilling|Melanie Fontana|Khimo Gumatay}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Jacob Munk|Pontus Kalm}} | title4 = Tic Tac Toe | length4 = 3:02 | writer4 = {{hlist|Alma Goodman|Gaby Ramirez|Davidior|Yasuda|Trisha Denise}} | extra4 = {{hlist|Davidior|Yasuda}} | title5 = Sugar Rush | length5 = 3:28 | writer5 = {{hlist|Derick Gernale|Francis Louie Salazar}} | extra5 = {{hlist|Kikx}} | title6 = Step Back | length6 = 3:04 | writer6 = {{hlist|Sweater Beats|Kocher|Moophs|Nantes}} | extra6 = {{hlist|Sweater Beats|Moophs}} }}
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
{{Bini}}
{{Authority control}} Category:2026 EPs Category:Bini (group) EPs Category:Star Music EPs Category:Pop music EPs Category:Bubblegum pop albums Category:Lounge music albums Category:New jack swing albums