Monster EP - first listen, first watch

A solid mini. Could’ve been a full album if SM wanted, but disagree that it’s different from RV. It’s still on-brand RV, sans the vocal harmony and Wendy-specific high-note placement. Good job fitting the songs to their vocal range … 1/

which reminds me of Yuri’s EP — a solid lesson in making a song yours. (By virtue, lower keys are more of bg territory so it’s good to have gg go there.)

As always, SM’s decision of title track selection is questionable.

2/

Not digging the MV in general. Still happy for I/S it gets to showcase their dance & that it doesn’t veer too much into pointless fanservice. If fellow queers like being baited, it’s for you.

Btw, is the iTunes/Spotify download missing a track? There are only 5 when they said 6.

Overall, most pleasingly surprised by Irene. She can hold her weight, given the right material. Solid base notes, if we’re talking in perfume lingo. Idk whose arms she’s twisted at SM to let her do this, but she should do it more often.

Listening to this mini (no skip!) kinda helps me understand why I/S is a unit. Long friendship notwithstanding, they hold the Velvet line. And if the maknae duo are doing the Red line, Wendy is then truly the middle child (backbone) (bridge) (glue) of the team.

Now comeback, backbone. Make haste. I miss you.