It’s been a very slow week in K-pop, so a surprise pre-release from ILLIT saves me from digging in the archives and writing about something old today. Their comeback is slated for later this month with title track Do The Dance, but prior to that they’ve debuted the “brand film” for album opener Little Monster. The song feels like a natural maturation of their sound, maintaining their sonic hallmark while offering a more pensive mood.
I can’t say I’ve been all that impressed by ILLIT’s music so far beyond the supremely catchy Magnetic. I simply prefer my pop music to sound bigger and punchier than the airy fare ILLIT have made their name on. Their songs are also very repetitive without the kind of dynamic build that leads to natural climaxes. It’s a vibier, quirkier affair. Little Monster follows this formula as much as any of their work, but its mood pulls me in more than I’d expected and makes for a beguiling album introduction.
I’m especially partial to Little Monster‘s pre-chorus, which offers the song’s most dramatic melody. From here, ILLIT retreat to the repetitive approach that’s characterized most of their hooks. There’s a bit more pathos and intensity to be found here, which lends the repetition some weight. I wish the HYBE producers would take some risks and give Little Monster some truly experimental instrumental quirks. We’ve heard its same kind of soft, early-2000’s sound from countless girl groups at this point. Imagine how cool Little Monster would sound with an icier bed of fractured electronics. A contrast between sharper instrumental fragments and ILLIT’s sweeter vocal tone could be very compelling and push this song closer to hyperpop.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
It works fine as a pre-release — like a movie’s opening credits, portrays a compelling mood and hints at what the movie would be like, but doesn’t directly state it, hence feeling incomplete or that something is missing.
But I like the moody mature of this song. It has a compelling vibe to it, but I agree that it could use some stronger arrangement. Maybe play some icier synths, maybe some background melodies for a more compelling tone, anything! Overall, it’s serviceable even if it leaves a lot to be desired.
Rating’s the same.
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I think its really cute.
Also like the video. It shows how high concept wins over big budget. The first half also harkens back to Peter Gabriel’s classic “Sledgehammer”
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Some of the visuals remind me of this classic MV
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Another one that came to mind, not as close but this one is for Nick
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OMG IS THIS A MFING JOJO REFERENCE I SEE????????
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I have only really liked Midnight Fiction and this works as a pre release and did not turn me off like a lot of other pre release tracks this year.
I think the video is at least interesting!
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Cute music video. I will absolutely be making “Everything is cake” jokes about it, though.
As for the song itself, I like it! I agree it could use a little extra bite. But the girls sound great and I like it for what it is. I hope we get another title song with a chirpy electronic hook like Magnetic or Tick Tack. I loved both of those songs a lot and I think that kind of hook can and should become Illit’s signature.
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how would you rate magnetic now ?
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Nothing memorable
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I really love it, it sounds so hopeful and it gives me Nap of a Star – TXT vibes ❤
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two barely disguised fetishes (vore and giantess) all in one video!
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I knew I’d be obsessed with this song the moment the highlight medley came out and I’m even more obsessed with it now! It’ll defined be a top 10 summer bop for me! 🌴🫧🩵
(Also I wasn’t expexting the lyrics to be so emotional? I can’t help but get teary eyed every time I read them especially considering all that ILLIT has gone through since debut🥲)
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Decent song elevated by a really good music video – I will say, though, I hate when songs are officially unofficially released like this. I track songs I want to purchase later by catching them on Shazam, so when I’m unable to do that the chances I forget about them go way up.
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artms coming to end them
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I got curious about song’s mood and checked it. I got obsessed with it which was unexpected. I’m not even mad it’s short. The story and darker undertones really pulls me in. I think illit is the only hybe group I like right now (I miss cute girly kpop).
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