Funny (?) story: I actually listened to sub-unit idntt unevermet’s 8:11 (8시 11분) yesterday when it was first released but promptly forgot all about it before I even had a chance to write a review. I’m not sure that’s ever happened before, but it goes to show you how little impact idntt’s debut had on me. Just like their female counterpart tripleS, the idntt brand promises to debut a number of sub-units, delighting hardcore fans as if confuses more casual listeners.
I’m all for ambitious K-pop rollouts, but if tripleS’s output is anything to go by I fear idntt’s promotional tactics might be more exciting than the music itself. Unfairly or not, I expect such a unique configuration to boast equally unique music, but so far idntt’s material has been typical boy group fare. New track 8:11 is perfectly serviceable, drawing from the same early-2000s hip-hop influence as everyone else this year. The song doesn’t seem to be designed to make waves, choosing instead to lay down a pleasant groove that requires no effort to get into.
8:11‘s beat will surely have your head moving, particularly as it bursts into its chorus. But without any memorable refrains, the song struggles to distinguish itself. Its vocal-heavy moments are so smooth they practically disappear while the rapped chorus injects more personality but could do with a melodic counterpoint to add needed contrast.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
There’s not much to say about the song itself, but I will say I had an adverse reaction seeing the name of this sub-unit and the song together. Truly the most cryptic string of characters I’ve seen in a while.
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It’s like a password. Trying to meet the character requirements lol
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For a group whose name I think is pronounced “Identity”, they really don’t have a particular identity. This song sounds like every other boy band release this year, the 90’s-00’s hip hop R&B groove minus the actual groove.
It’s like 5 years ago when every boy band was debuting with obscure three letter acronym names and a dark theme drop chorus, except today its obscure names missing more than a few vowels and a 90’s-00’s flashback.
I mean, its fine, but nothing special.
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It makes me wonder, why don’t these groups just to Pharrell or Babyface directly if they want an early 2000’s sounding song? Too expensive?
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In four months, TripleS established the “lalala” and escapism identity with Generation and Rising. idntt has yet to find their identity. For a company that boasts its concept-driven artists, idntt has yet to offer anything beyond being the male iteration of TripleS. Unless Modhaus grounds the next subunit in a more distinctive vision, the milquetoast music will keep them lost among the already homogeneous boy group scene this year.
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i mean say what u want but as far as structure goes theyre doing nct better than ncts been doing since like 2018
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The song is on a radio in Paris !
Kenneth
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