We’ve reached the point in the year where art starts to imitate life and songs about beaches, islands, and sunshine begin to prepare their way onto our playlists. Though
B.I’s “Illa Illa” does just that — it is certainly not your classic Song of the Summer. Accompanied by a more poetic, arthouse-esque visual, “Illa Illa” balances melancholy, emotional lyrics with a upbeat melody bound to get stuck in your head. B.I’s comeback shows a clear distinction between old and new, displaying an order kind of rebirth both sonically and visually. On this new track, B.I lets the tears fall like waves nevertheless also finds strength and hope for brighter days, singing, “Though I know it will crumble, I’ll probably design a sandcastle again.” —
Sarina Bhutani