Since their debut in 2020, E’Last have developed a theatrical sound that blends boy group tropes with symphonic flourishes and moments of grandiose melody. Last year’s Creature was a misstep, opting for an anti-drop chorus that sacrificed the group’s greatest assets. Luckily, new single Thrill dives in the opposite direction with a full-throated, rock-infused chorus. It may not be their strongest work yet, but it’s a step in the right direction.
There’s a fantastic song buried in here, but Thrill would do well to trim its duller moments. The first verse delivers a gradual build, but it feels a little aimless. It’s not until we get to the chorus that the song gains focus. This hook is slightly underdeveloped, but its bones are strong. You can almost hear how it might sound if released during K-pop’s second or third generation, freed from the need to constantly shift energy and tempo so that its performers can pose and mug for the camera.
Frustratingly, Thrill slows again for verse two. This stop/start structure can be quite… er… thrilling, but you’ve got to make sure both extremes are satisfying on their own. In this case, the verses need some serious tightening. It feels like they’re killing time until we return to that standout chorus. The track doles out enough highlights to work overall, and it’s downright excellent from the 1:52 mark on. But, I’m not sure one minute of excellence is enough to call this a standout.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
This song would have been fine about 3 or 4 years ago. This year it feels out of fashion, and not in a good way. Complete with moto jackets styling.
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Aww, but I do love a good moto jacket (though they tend to look costumey)
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They look like they’re gonna vroom vroom vroom skrrt
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I like it! Could do without the rap verses, the rating is about right for me.
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I really liked it, and it is so much better than Creature (even though I did not dislike that track, I could see its pretty obvious flaws). This one’s a much more exciting (may I say thrilling?) effort. Don’t really mind the slow-downs as I quite enjoy E’Last’s rapline but I agree that it kinda dulls down the whole structure. It does not affect the group’s ensemble in a negative way since they have many good vocalists, but I missed oldest member Seungyeop’s powerful voice (he enlisted recently).
Unrelated to the song, I had been looking forward to this comeback so badly! This group holds a special place in my heart since they came to my country (Uruguay) last September during their Latin America tour. They are the third group to come here ever! (First two were Busters and VAV back in 2019). That makes them the only kpop group I’ve ever seen live in concert, and it was such a great experience. Truly excellent performers and wonderful live vocals. Seeing Dangerous and Dark Dream live is something I won’t forget for a long time!
Just wanted to share that little anecdote. Eager to hear what they come up with next!
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I’m jealous you got to see them live. What an experience!
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I like it. Yes, I like it. Sadly, I can’t love the song due to it feeling undercooked, just as the vast majority of recent K-pop releases did…
Both verses and centerpiece indicate at a truly fascinating track buried somewhere in the depth, but….again, the entire song feels like a waste of time just because of it being outrightly DULL in the execution.🥱
Also, I wish the instrumental had more meat on its bones, ’cause this ain’t enough for a rock-infused banger, at all. I’d rate it this way:
Hooks: 8
Production: 7
Longevity: 8
Bias: 8
Total: 7.75/10
#SaveKpopFromTheUnendingStreamOfBoringAndForgettableFare
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If most of the upcoming comebacks keep on being so faceless and weariful, I’ll consider quitting listening to K-pop.
I just can’t. I’m fucking fed up with all this shit.
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Right, when I read “rock-infused” I was expecting way more rock (in the direction of Woozi’s Ruby, or Key’s Heartbreaker).
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8 seems a bit high.
Decent enough song, but it barely registers on my radar.
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Wish they’d just built the entire song around the chorus, which is pretty good. The verses are way too boring for me to sit through.
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That English language opener though. Just, why? I like the song ok. It was tantalizing, because I kept expecting it to really take off. It didn’t so I feal a bit cheated. Probably a grower for me.
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I was hoping after seeing the concept photos that I would be subjected to some great “I’m crying into my burner phone behind the go-cart track” melodrama, and this didn’t quite get all the way there, but close enough. The instrumental on its own is kind of campy, theatrical and very pleasant on its own.
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I personally love it. The chorus is so good to me. It’s the type to tickle my brain in a good way.
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