I:MOND made their debut last summer but completely passed me by, as fledging rookie groups occasionally do. Now they’re back with their first mini album and title track Wonderland (원더랜드). Interestingly, the group are independently managed without the backing of a label. That’s pretty rare in K-pop’s idol landscape and certainly makes me want to root for them. If they can build upon Wonderland‘s potential I might even become a full-fledged fan.
If I divided Wonderland into pieces I’d have contrasting things to say. Starting with the good, I think the song’s chorus is quite effective. It has this explosive energy that becomes more addictive the more you hear it. The percussion rumbles as strings add symphonic heft. This arrangement is familiar but effective. Building upon this sonic brew, the track kicks up quite a frenzy as it reaches its finale. I appreciate this larger than life sound.
Meanwhile, the group’s relative inexperience pops up during Wonderland‘s verses. They’re serviceable but unremarkable and although the vocals have a ton of character they feel mismatched with the instrumental. Even so, I hear plenty of potential in this track. I’m curious to see where I:MOND goes next because Wonderland isn’t too far from greatness.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I am hearing kpop girl group circa 2019, before the crush of girl crush hit. Weki Meki GWSN WJSN Limesoda Nature era. It is refreshing to hear that sound again. For a few minutes, I was entertained.
For example, GWSN “Pinky Star” which I listened to more than I will admit.
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I think the closest thing is IZONE’s “FIESTA”, with a touch of “Panorama”.
I think I overall like it, enough to try out their debut, which I…did not care for lol.
To your point about the mismatched-vocals, a hallmark of a more cheaply produced group is how papery their voices sound. This is pretty papery but not the worst we’ve heard.
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Thanks for taking my request!
I was surprised on how they handled it. Production in this MV is insane for a group with no label. Its so refreshing to see these type of songs nowadays. Hopefully, they’ll keep this type of sound and fantasy themes.
As for the song, I agree on everything. The instrumental is good, great even, dare I say. But the biggest downside are the vocals. Seeing as to its their second album, I’ll be giving them a pass for now.
8/10 I’ll be looking forward to their next songs.
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Hearing a lot of IZ*ONE on this, which is a welcome throwback as I loved that group’s run. I wouldn’t mind if this group continued chasing that sound, at least for a little while.
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