ILLIT 'Super Real Me' EP Review

ILLIT 'Super Real Me' EP Review

ILLIT Members top left to right: Minju, Yunah. Bottom left to right: Moka, Iroha, Wonhee

"ILLIT" is a K-Pop group that made their debut on March 25th, 2024 under Belift Lab, a subsidiary of Hybe Labels. The group comprises of five members - Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. Originally, ILLIT was a six-member group formed from the survival show "R U Next," but Youngseo left the group and Hybe Entertainment in January 2024, before the group's debut. Their debut EP, "Super Real Me," is now available for streaming on Spotify through this link.

The mini-album consists of six tracks that exude a distinctive aura. The opening song 'My World'  immediately sets a dreamy tone with its whimsical chorus, leaving no room for ambiguity. The song follows a straightforward format, yet its light and dreamy instrumentation and vocals confidently establish the vibe for the entire album. The repeated line in the chorus, "This is my world," boldly serves as an intro to the album, as ILLIT confidently sets the stage for the subsequent tracks with an inoffensive, effortless, and light approach to instrumentation and vocals.

The EP's lead single, "Magnetic," is a trendy and upbeat pop track that captures a magnetic atmosphere perfectly. The song tells the story of a young teenage girl who feels a strong magnetic attraction to her crush. It has a lively and vibrant beat that's reminiscent of other Hybe girl groups like Newjeans, but with ILLIT's unique twist. "Magnetic" features interesting sound effects throughout the song, including sound effects from video games. The song has a youthful atmosphere that's fitting for the group's teenage members, and it's undoubtedly going to be a hit among its target audience.

However, it's worth noting that the track's very young sound may not appeal to radio hosts as much. This is merely speculation, though, and it doesn't detract from the song's overall appeal. Overall, "Magnetic" is an exciting and fun beginning to ILLIT's discography, and it's sure to attract a large following of young fans who resonate with its catchy beat and relatable lyrics. 

"Midnight Fiction" is a beautifully crafted track that showcases the group's impressive musical talent. The song's balanced and catchy sound is more sophisticated than the previous tracks, yet it still maintains a bright and bubbly atmosphere throughout. The group has done an excellent job of capturing the sonic aura of youth and dreaminess without sounding juvenile, achieving a perfect balance between those elements. The chorus of the song is well-written and incredibly catchy, making it a standout track on the group's debut album. Additionally, adding "Midnight Fiction" to the EP was a smart move on the label's behalf, as it has the potential to attract a different and somewhat older target audience, ultimately opening up the group to a wider demographic

 

"Lucky Girl Syndrome" is a track with a lot of potential. Its playful and trendy synth-pop style is a great fit for the album, and the clever doubling in the introduction sets a great tone. The song has some strong elements, including catchy verses and a powerful pre-chorus, as well as a dance break that's sure to get people moving. However, the chorus doesn't quite live up to the rest of the song. While repetition is effective in some cases, it feels a bit empty here and could benefit from some more variation. The outro also feels somewhat unresolved, leaving the listener waiting for something more. Despite these issues, "Lucky Girl Syndrome" is still a fun and enjoyable track that showcases the band's talents. With some adjustments to the chorus and outro, it could be even better and more appealing to a wider audience.

Overall Review

My World ★★★★☆

Magnetic ★★★★☆

Midnight Fiction ★★★★★

Lucky Girl Syndrome ★★★★☆

'Super Real Me' EP Review ★★★★☆