Dunums - "binti"

Photo by Erin Olivia Media

"binti" was originally released as a solo single on Dunums' first solo single in 2011. Last summer, Sijal Nasralla reworked it with some friends as a full band song, and re-released it earlier this month to raise money for Palestinian mutual aid, and have since raised $5000. The song is an absolute epic post-rock masterpiece. Despite not being traditionally punk, "binti" is one of the most punk songs of the year. It's accentuated with what sounds like an enormous band, and is kind of like if Neutral Milk Hotel were more rock and angrier. Dunums are going to be a band we'll be excited to keep an eye on just based on how great of a piece of art "binti" is.

Sijal Nasralla says of "binti":

"When I was 12 I saw Mohammad Al Durra get shot on tv in his father’s arms in Gaza and it destroyed me. He was also 12. In 2008 I sat horrified with the story of Amal, Kanan, Mona, and Mahmoud – four child survivors of a massacre on the street they lived on – Samouni street, a street that carries their family’s name. A few years later, they made an animated video to tell their story. Their art was a practice of hope amidst overwhelming pain that burdened me for years, the rest of the world around me appeared unphased."

You can listen to "binti" below. I wasn't that thought is due out October 4 on Sleepy Cat Records, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Dunums, check out the band's website.