When ILLIT first burst onto the scene, they brought with them a refreshing mix of youthful curiosity, emotional honesty, and quirky pop sensibilities. With their third extended play Bomb, the rookie girl group from Belift Lab doesn’t just continue their momentum, they deepen it. Released on June 16, 2025, Bomb is a five-track journey through the emotional landscapes of growing up: from confronting inner stress monsters to navigating the sweet confusion of first love and quiet, starlit moments of peace. Blending genres like synth-pop, eurodance, chiptune, and lo-fi, ILLIT crafts a compact but vibrant sonic world that feels both playful and sincere. Here’s the track-by-track breakdown and verdict on one of the most creatively endearing EPs of the year.
1. Little Monster
“Little Monster” sets the tone for Bomb with a quirky, synth-pop flair that cleverly disguises its deeper emotional undertones.
From the first few seconds, the track builds an eerie yet playful atmosphere with its minimal, glitchy synth motif. It quickly evolves into a bouncy electro-pop rhythm layered with whimsical, toy-like percussion, perfectly complementing ILLIT’s youthful yet emotionally nuanced delivery. The production is clean and polished, allowing the members’ breathy vocals to shine through while creating a sense of tension that mirrors the lyrical content.
The lyrics use the metaphor of a “monster” to personify stress and internal emotional struggles. Rather than painting themselves as victims, the members turn the narrative around, they want to confront, devour, and overpower these monsters. It’s a clever way to represent emotional resilience wrapped in a package that’s accessible to younger listeners. Repetition plays a huge role in the track, particularly in the chorus where “I don’t wanna know” is chanted almost obsessively. This mirrors the way anxiety or intrusive thoughts often loop endlessly in our minds.
Musical Highlights:
- Genre: Synth-pop with elements of glitch and electro-pop.
- Instrumentation: Bouncy beats, quirky synths, toy-like percussive textures.
- Vocals: Soft, breathy, clean, conveying both vulnerability and resolve.
- Structure: Smooth transitions; a hypnotic, repetitive chorus enhances the thematic mood.
- Production Quality: Polished and cohesive with a youthful tone.
Lyric Highlights:
- Main Metaphor: Stress as a “monster” that’s been created and must be destroyed.
- Key Lines:
- “We’re creating a monster / 거대해 못된 stress” – stress is not just external; it grows within.
- “달콤쌉싸름 처음 맛본 괴물의 맛” – the familiarity or addictiveness of negativity.
- Tone: Anxious but playful; empowering despite the darkness.
- Message: Encourages facing internal struggles instead of avoiding them.
| Strengths | Minor Weakness |
| Unique concept and metaphor. | Chorus repetition may feel overly simple on repeated listens. |
| Catchy hook with emotional subtext. | The song could use more melodic variation in the latter half. |
| High production value and cohesiveness. | |
| Strong opening track for the EP. |
In summary, “Little Monster” is a standout opener for Bomb, a fun yet meaningful take on anxiety and stress wrapped in a synth-pop package. It balances sonic cuteness with an undercurrent of emotional maturity, making it one of the more compelling tracks in ILLIT’s young discography.
4.5 / 5
2. Do the Dance (빌려온 고양이)
As the lead single of the Bomb EP, “Do the Dance” is playful, polished, and bursting with color, both sonically and lyrically.
At first listen, the track feels like a high-energy sugar rush, driven by a eurodance beat, glossy synth textures, and a carousel of rhythm changes. The production sparkles with retro-futuristic charm, complete with whimsical vocal chops and stuttering repetitions that mimic the awkward nervousness of a first date.
Sonically, the song balances fast-paced dance pop with moments of space and restraint. The chorus invites movement, while the pre-chorus and refrain smartly dial down the energy just enough to set up the next burst. The instrumental is grounded in a nostalgic eurodance core, but it’s enhanced by modern pop layering, tight vocal processing, beat drops, and tempo tweaks that keep it dynamic and fresh.
Lyrically, the track captures the exact emotional tension of liking someone new. The title, which translates to “borrowed cat,” is a Korean idiom referring to someone acting unusually shy, an adorable way to describe the clumsy, blush-filled anxiety of early attraction. The lyrics are a mix of confidence and hesitation: the heart races, the blush rises, but the words stumble. French phrases like “J’aime danser avec toi” add a flirty, cosmopolitan charm.
Musical Highlights:
- Genre: Eurodance with Y2K influences, vocal chops, and synth flourishes.
- Instrumentation: Fast BPM, stuttering vocal sampling, sparkling synths, retro pads.
- Vocals: Crisp, with great group layering and excellent phrasing in the post-chorus.
- Production Quality: Highly polished; playful details like “꿍실냐옹” and “둠칫냐옹” give personality.
- Sample Note: Reportedly samples “Yuga Naru Dasso” from The Five Star Stories (1989), adding an anime-esque fantasy vibe.
Lyric Highlights:
- Themes: First date anxiety, budding attraction, emotional excitement.
- Key Imagery:
- “빌려온 고양이가 돼” – acting like a shy borrowed cat (idiomatic charm).
- “심장은 ooh, là, là” – poetic, rhythmic play on heartbeat and attraction.
- Tone: Flirty, whimsical, and delightfully awkward.
- Message: Encourages embracing emotional vulnerability through joyful expression.
| Strengths | Minor Weakness |
| Exceptional lead single with high replay value. | Some may find the over-processed vocal effects a bit too sweet or artificial. |
| Clever balance between cuteness and maturity. | |
| Sonic layering and tempo shifts keep it engaging throughout. | |
| Lyrics are rich in character and cultural nuance. | |
In summary, “Do the Dance” is a masterclass in playful K-pop, blending nostalgia, whimsy, and polished eurodance energy into a charming anthem for awkward love. It’s a track that not only defines ILLIT’s artistic identity but also positions them as bold storytellers who can dance between pop gloss and personal emotion with ease.
4.8 / 5
3. Jellyous
“Jellyous” is where ILLIT fully leans into bubbly chiptune aesthetics, delivering a song that’s both endearingly juvenile and sharply self-aware.
Built on a playful foundation of retro game sounds and sugar-coated synths, this track captures the emotional chaos of adolescent envy and affection in a digital era. It’s fast, bright, and cheerfully chaotic, yet underneath its surface is a cleverly crafted portrait of Gen Z (or even Gen Alpha) crush culture, complete with DM flings, emoji check-ins, and overthinking a Sunday text.
Musically, “Jellyous” features one of the most energetic instrumentals in the EP. Its chiptune influence is immediately apparent through glitchy pixel sounds and bright melodic loops reminiscent of 8-bit video games. The pace is quick and tightly sequenced, with rhythmic vocal play that adds a sense of urgency and spontaneity to the track. Vocals are slightly pitched in some parts for a more childlike tone, which complements the playful jealousy theme. Unlike traditional “jealousy” songs, “Jellyous” doesn’t dwell in bitterness instead, it bounces in circles of innocent obsession.
Lyrically, it’s rich in contextual flavor. The title is a portmanteau of “jealous” and “jelly,” a sweet pun that perfectly encapsulates the sticky, sweet emotional mess of liking someone a little too much. The lyrics show a young girl spiraling through social media updates, overanalyzing texts, and imagining sugar-filled romance scenarios, all without ever explicitly confessing. There’s humor, confusion, and vulnerability all at once.
Musical Highlights:
- Genre: Chiptune-pop / bubblegum pop.
- Instrumentation: 8-bit arcade sounds, quick beats, perky synths, sugar-rush pacing.
- Vocals: Youthful and slightly pitched, enhancing the giddy theme.
- Production Quality: Dense but intentional, matching sonic clutter with emotional clutter.
Lyric Highlights:
- Themes: Digital-age jealousy, crush anxiety, playful obsession.
- Key Imagery:
- “Emoji check 발사” – firing off emoji empathy; illustrates modern communication.
- “망상 가득 행복한 jelly shower” – a fantasy world built on sweet longing.
- Tone: Cute, chaotic, self-aware.
- Message: Young love is confusing, especially in an online world, but it’s still sweet.
| Strengths | Minor Weakness |
| Unique soundscape that stands out in the EP. | The hyper pitch and pace might be overwhelming for some. |
| Cleverly playful lyrics rooted in current teen culture. | Lacks a deeper climax or bridge, feels more like a sugar shot than a full meal. |
| High replay value for fans of hyper-pop or bubble-style K-pop. | |
In conclusion, “Jellyous” is a burst of digital-age emotion, cute, quirky, and honest in its portrayal of a love-struck mind caught between texts and daydreams. It might not appeal to every listener, but for what it aims to be, it’s executed with bright, focused intent.
4.2 / 5
4. Oops!
With “Oops!”, ILLIT dials up the fun in a way that feels spontaneous and effortlessly cool.
Departing from the high-anxiety sweetness of “Jellyous,” this track embraces playful rebellion with a funky bassline, minimalistic synth textures, and a rhythmic vocal performance that feels casual yet punchy. The production here is lean and groovy, giving each member room to breathe and allowing the cheeky tone of the lyrics to shine.
Musically, “Oops!” introduces a subtle retro-funk flavor, underpinned by bass-driven instrumentation and light whistle motifs. The beat is steady and not overly layered, making it one of the most relaxed tracks on the EP, yet it still moves with attitude. The chorus is catchy but breezy, “we got that, oops” lands like a knowing wink rather than a shout. The group’s vocals are delivered with a relaxed charm, balancing between playful sass and sleepover gossip vibes.
Lyrically, “Oops!” captures the thrill of breaking free from routine, norms, or expectations even if just for a night. It’s about ditching worries, sending secret invites, and embracing the little moments of chaos with your closest circle. There’s no need for perfection here just a sense of mischief and camaraderie. While the writing is less metaphor-heavy than the previous tracks, it works because of how well the message pairs with the laid-back sonic atmosphere.
Musical Highlights:
- Genre: Funk-pop with minimalist dance-pop elements.
- Instrumentation: Funky bassline, whistle-infused post-chorus, clean groove.
- Vocals: Confident, smooth, casual, great chemistry in layered sections.
- Production Quality: Clear, not overdone; strong sense of control and restraint.
Lyric Highlights:
- Themes: Carefree rebellion, letting loose, secret fun.
- Key Imagery:
- “쪽지로 널 invite” – passing secret notes like in school, youthful and nostalgic.
- “걱정은 삼일 뒤로 슝” – pushing worries three days away like an imaginary deadline.
- Tone: Relaxed mischief, feel-good.
- Message: Life’s too short to overthink, just enjoy the moment with your people.
| Strengths | Minor Weakness |
| Funky groove that offers sonic variety within the EP. | Some might find it less memorable compared to the more layered tracks. |
| Effortless charm in both lyrics and vocal delivery. | Lacks a big climax or emotional payoff, but that’s arguably the point. |
| Stripped-back arrangement works well as a breather track. | |
In summary, “Oops!” is the EP’s secret hangout track, chill, cheeky, and designed for swaying rather than sprinting. It shows that ILLIT can balance high-concept tracks with more grounded, natural moments, and still sound completely themselves.
4.4 / 5
5. Bamsopoong (밤소풍)
Closing out Bomb, “Bamsopoong (밤소풍)” is a gentle exhale, a lo-fi lullaby wrapped in moonlight.
Unlike the punchy confidence of earlier tracks, this one shifts into introspective territory, inviting listeners into a dreamy nighttime escape. The production is minimal and soothing, carried by mellow lo-fi textures, soft percussion, and sparkly ambient pads. It’s emotionally warm without being heavy, and it acts as the perfect bookend to the emotional highs of the previous tracks.
Musically, “Bamsopoong” takes influence from chill lo-fi and acoustic-pop aesthetics, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and cinematic. There are no dramatic builds here, just subtle layering, light harmonies, and space to breathe. The vocals are delivered with calm sincerity, creating a sense of closeness, like a quiet conversation under the stars. It contrasts beautifully with the chaos of “Jellyous” or the fun of “Oops!”, giving the EP a moment of pause.
The lyrics are romantic and whimsical, depicting a nighttime picnic under a purple sky filled with stars and “blueberry dream” imagery. There’s something deeply comforting in the simplicity, spending time with someone you like in a quiet park, sipping bubble tea, surrounded by stars and Polaroids. It’s one of the most visually evocative tracks on the record, and its subdued tone makes it feel like a diary entry from a peaceful night.
Musical Highlights:
- Genre: Lo-fi pop / dream pop.
- Instrumentation: Soft keys, ambient textures, subtle lo-fi beats.
- Vocals: Calm, close, sweet, matching the emotional intimacy of the song.
- Production Quality: Minimalist but layered with care; sonically warm and clean.
Lyric Highlights:
- Themes: Quiet joy, gentle romance, magical simplicity.
- Key Imagery:
- “Purple sky 마치 blueberry dream” – dreamlike and colorfully visual.
- “폴라로이드 찰칵 이 순간을 간직해” – capturing the moment physically and emotionally.
- Tone: Calm, loving, peaceful.
- Message: Happiness is found in quiet, shared moments.
| Strengths | Minor Weakness |
| Emotionally grounding and thematically perfect as a closing track. | May feel too slow or uneventful for those expecting a climactic finale. |
| Strong lyrical imagery that paints a clear and comforting scene. | Less dynamic range compared to other tracks, but intentionally so. |
| A gentle change of pace that completes the EP’s emotional arc. | |
4.6 / 5
In Summary
ILLIT’s Bomb is a vibrant, creative, and thematically consistent EP that captures the essence of youth: messy feelings, bold colors, awkward romances, and quiet nights. The group plays confidently with genre, from synth-pop and eurodance to chiptune funk and lo-fi calm, without ever losing their identity. Their charm lies in how they balance quirky aesthetics with real emotional depth.
| Track | Title | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Little Monster | 4.5 / 5 |
| 2 | Do the Dance | 4.8 / 5 |
| 3 | Jellyous | 4.2 / 5 |
| 4 | Oops! | 4.4 / 5 |
| 5 | Bamsopoong | 4.6 / 5 |
Overall Strengths:
- Excellent production and genre variety.
- Smart, expressive lyrics rooted in youthful experience.
- Great balance of energy and emotion throughout the tracklist.
- Strong group identity with each member contributing to the EP’s tone.
Bomb is a playful yet thoughtful pop offering that proves ILLIT is more than a trend, they’re capable of building emotional stories through catchy, concept-driven music. With this release, they not only entertain, but also lay a solid foundation for their artistic evolution.
4.5 / 5
