Banipreet – Bit More Than I Could Chew (Single Review)

‘Bit More Than I Could Chew’ is the new single by Banipreet, a New York-based singer-songwriter.

The contemporary artist, who explores ‘folk, pop, and acoustic genres’, notes that she grew up entirely immersed in music. It has been a constant presence in her life since childhood, serving as a steady companion through every stage of her journey

Opening with a series of acoustic guitar chords, ‘Bit More Than I Could Chew’ maintains a minimalist feel. Since the instrumentation remains relatively constant throughout, the listener’s attention is naturally drawn toward the nuances of the vocals and the depth of the lyrics.

Upon hearing Banipreet’s voice and delivery for the first time, my initial reaction was, ‘I like this song’. Her ‘thick’ vocal texture and laid-back delivery serve as major strengths, even as she demonstrates the versatility to pivot into a more feminine tone. While her performance begins with a speech-like quality, she eventually shifts into a more expressive register where her voice soars with truly impassioned singing.

Lyrically, the track is a romantic exploration centered on a female persona. When she says, ‘I won’t smoke, be a good wife’, we witness a moment of clear bargaining. This plea likely stems from the reality that certain habits, such as a woman smoking, can often become a flashpoint for tension within a relationship.

In these lines, we encounter a persona eager to please their partner by offering to reform their habits. The song’s underlying sensuality comes to the fore when she declares, ‘My voice is caramel sweet but under those sheets I’ll wear nothing but pearls’. However, this idealized vision is short-lived; the persona quickly pivots away from this rosy imagery, admitting, ‘Oh no I’m now being unreasonable’.

Further tension is revealed when the persona admits their lover ‘left them in the dark’. This heartbreak stems from a love that was simply too much to handle: a ‘Bit more than I could chew’. Ultimately, the track captures the moment one realizes they have loved more than they can chew, to borrow Banipreet’s evocative phrasing.

Despite the tension, the lyrical persona remains seemingly ‘wedded’ to her partner. It appears she is still willing to go the extra mile, holding onto a deep-seated commitment despite the challenges mentioned.

However, the ‘chew’ figure of speech borders on being overextended. After hearing that the persona bit more than they could chew, we are told that the partner also ‘chewed and spat them out’. While one could commend Banipreet for exploring different facets of the metaphor, it runs the risk of muddying the narrative and confusing the listener.

SCORE/Good: Banipreet is a dynamic vocalist, and I love her minimalist guitar playing. However, my little suggestion would be for her to make her lyrics clearer and avoid overusing figures of speech. In a way, the ‘chewing’ going on in the song feels more than I can chew!

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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