It’s been a really gradual week in Okay-pop, so a shock pre-release from ILLIT saves me from digging within the archives and writing about one thing previous at this time. Their comeback is slated for later this month with title monitor Do The Dance, however previous to that they’ve debuted the “model movie” for album opener Little Monster. The tune seems like a pure maturation of their sound, sustaining their sonic hallmark whereas providing a extra pensive temper.

I can’t say I’ve been all that impressed by ILLIT’s music to this point past the supremely catchy Magnetic. I merely desire my pop music to sound greater and punchier than the ethereal fare ILLIT have made their identify on. Their songs are additionally very repetitive with out the form of dynamic construct that results in pure climaxes. It’s a vibier, quirkier affair. Little Monster follows this formulation as a lot as any of their work, however its temper pulls me in additional than I’d anticipated and makes for a beguiling album introduction.

I’m particularly keen on Little Monster‘s pre-chorus, which presents the tune’s most dramatic melody. From right here, ILLIT retreat to the repetitive method that’s characterised most of their hooks. There’s a bit extra pathos and depth to be discovered right here, which lends the repetition some weight. I want the HYBE producers would take some dangers and provides Little Monster some really experimental instrumental quirks. We’ve heard its similar form of delicate, early-2000’s sound from numerous woman teams at this level. Think about how cool Little Monster would sound with an icier mattress of fractured electronics. A distinction between sharper instrumental fragments and ILLIT’s sweeter vocal tone could possibly be very compelling and push this tune nearer to hyperpop.

Grade: B-