Thus far, ICHILLIN’ have pinballed through a variety of styles, most recently getting caught in the sing-chant nursery rhyme style that plagues many of their peers’ discographies. New digital single Bite Me still has a (lack of) melody problem, but its dynamic instrumental counterpunches with surprising force.
Bite Me opens with a wallop, as thundering brass gives way to a rugged electro beat that underlines the verses with welcome intensity and resonance. Chopped samples of fractured breathing add tension to an already exciting mix. In a timeline of subdued girl group releases, this ear-catching production helps ICHILLIN’ stand out. I’m quite impressed with the direction they’ve taken.
Sadly, Bite Me is undercut by its lack of equally dynamic hooks. The beat drop chorus is fun because the beat itself is so engaging, but I can easily imagine how triumphant and daring the song would sound with a robust melody thrown over the top. It’s a frustrating struggle and keeps Bite Me in the mid-8’s when it could easily have vaulted up to the 9’s.
Hooks
7
Production
10
Longevity
8
Bias
9
RATING
8.5