Melbourne's own BB Sabina are back, and they're inviting us to step into the unknown with their captivating new single, ‘Beyond’. This latest offering follows hot on the heels of their well-received track ‘Multitude’, and it's clear the three-piece are intent on blurring the lines of musical convention. Much like their previous work, ‘Beyond’ effortlessly blends elements of shoegaze, alternative, and post-rock, hinting at influences from iconic acts like Sonic Youth, The Jesus and Mary Chain, and PJ Harvey, all while forging a sound distinctly their own.
‘Beyond’ is a masterclass in dynamic tension. It skillfully weaves together distorted, layered guitars and ethereal piano textures, building an immersive wall of sound that swells and recedes, drawing the listener further into its emotional landscape. Beneath this sonic tapestry, a pulsating bassline and thunderous drums provide a formidable foundation. At the forefront is lead singer Beth Uhe, whose emotionally charged vocals are the true heart of the track, guiding us through its intricate shifts and culminating in an explosive, cathartic crescendo.
At its core, ‘Beyond’ is a narrative of profound personal and creative exploration. As Beth explains, the song was born from a period of newfound independence, a time when she found solace in solitude and a fresh perspective on freedom. “‘Beyond’ is about transcendence. Going beyond the mundane of everyday and experiencing an emotional shift,” she reveals. It’s a journey of processing the past while bravely venturing into uncharted territory.
The roots of BB Sabina trace back to the Northern Territory, where Beth first laid the groundwork for the band, releasing her debut EP in Alice Springs in 2019. Her move to Melbourne in 2020 ignited a period of sonic experimentation, eventually leading her to join forces with bassist Warrick Newman and drummer Travis Germaine. Over the past three years, this trio has blossomed into a formidable unit, their musical synergy matched only by their genuine camaraderie. This tight-knit bond is palpable in their live performances, which have garnered a reputation for their raw emotion and captivating energy, translating the very essence of their recorded work to the stage.
The meticulous crafting of ‘Beyond’ saw the band take the reins of production, recording the track between Kakadu Studios and Warrick’s home studio. Warrick himself led the engineering efforts, with invaluable support from Sean Hutton. The final sonic polish was applied by Aden Senycia at Love Shack Studios, who handled the mixing, while Joe Carra at Crystal Mastering took charge of the mastering, ensuring every nuance of ‘Beyond’ shines through.