ALBUM REVIEW: Bino Bames - Gathers No Moss

On his debut album, 'Gathers No Moss', Bino Bames condenses philosophical esque questions about legacy, identity and impermanence into an eight track album that feels more like a personal reflection explored through sound and a shifting sense of perception.  At just twenty two minutes long, 'Gathers No Moss', manages to take the listener through an emotional journey, whilst not overstaying its welcome, drawing the listener back in again and again. 

The opening song feels like the beginning of an experimental performance piece rather than an album, we get an intimate insight into the thought process of Bino, as the two minute opener explores the fear of being forgotten in a world, and a deep desire to leave a mark, wether that be through music, fashion, or simply being remembered at all. The lyric, “I feel like you don’t die when you’re last spoken of, when your songs are played for the last time” encapsulates the album’s emotional framing, and sets the tone for the listener.

Bino Bames is a London based singer songwriter from Nevada, Las Vegas, who draws from influences such as Daniel Johnston, which can be seen throughout the album's more emotional acoustic tracks. The second track titled ‘Cocktail Princes’ leans into rock-tinged guitar work, with vocals that blend seamlessly into the instrumentals. The third track titled, ‘Isolated’ strips things back further. Opening acoustically, Bino’ vocals sound softer and more exposed, supported by a drum beat that contrasts with the previous track’s energy. The album’s transitions are a real strength, particularly as ‘Isolated’ flows into ‘Human Being’, where a bass-heavy ending drops out to create a moment of euphoria for the listener. 

A later track, ‘Heavy Voices’, builds gradually from a single guitar string into claps, bass and drums before collapsing back into a more minimal arrangement. ‘Let You Go’ stands out for its candid lyricism, with the line “I hate you, you’re amazing”,  capturing emotional contradiction. 

The closing track, ‘I’m Sorry’, returns to acoustic melancholy, mirroring the opener and completing the album’s reflective arc. 'Gathers No Moss' is quiet, honest and carefully constructed,  an album that lingers long after the music has ceased.