Lil Mariko — Lil Mariko (E.P. Review)
Hyper-pop (A genre defined by its computerized dance pop sounds, internet culture call outs, and almost manic nature) has been on the rise with underground millennial and gen-Z creators. The genre has brought artists like Charli XCX, 100 gecs, and SOPHIE into the mainstream. Songs from the genre have been popping up on TikTok such as ElyOtto’s “SugarCrash!” and 100 gecs “stupid horse”. They’re candid, frenized, and filled with clever plays off internet and pop culture. Her rise on the scene started with “Where’s My Juul?”. The track was initially created as a joke, but gained popularity on TikTok. She would blend her love for rave and metal music to create a unique sound all her own. Lil Mariko and Full Tac would go on to remix Dorian Electra’s “Sorry Bro (I Love You)” in June 2020. I recently saw a review from The Punk Rock MBA on the genre and was introduced to the artist Lil Mariko. I was immediately interested in hearing her work after hearing a snippet of her and her boyfriend Full Tac’s cover of KK Slider’s “KK Metal” (I mean, it’s Animal Crossing song). I immediately went and streamed this record to see what she’s all about.
The first single released was “Don’t Touch” (feat. Full Tac) in April 2020. You’re immediately dropped into computerized tones that call back to early 2010s electronic dance music. You’re also attacked by Lil Mariko’s screams. This sets the tone for a woman that is tired of being bothed and harassed by creeps. The lyrical delivery has a hint of early Kesha music with its bratty, matter of fact delivery. The chorus is crazed with its hyper chants of “Look but you can’t touch!” She’s here to let you know that if you cross that line, you’re getting obliterated. The choruses go from this chants to screams, calling back to metal vocals, which show Lil Mariko’s appreciation for the genre. This juxtaposition from bratty cutesy to metal growls and screams are definitely reminiscent of Poppy’s most recent work. However, Lil Mariko’s persona and delivery are on a plane all their own.
Her most recent single release prior to the E.P.’s release was “Shiny” (feat. Full Tac) in September 2020. “Shiny” continues Lil Mariko’s trademark diabolic cute delivery. She’s blinged out and ready to let the world know all the ice dripping off her body. It’s clever, hilarious, and a banger. “‘I’m so shiny you can see me from fucking space, Like I’m out here blinding airplane pilots, I’m like one of those super rare shiny Pokemon cards, Exclusive bitch, even my shit is shiny”. I can see the comparison to Liam Kyle Sullivan’s instant internet classics “Shoes” and “Can I Borrow That Top?”. It’s production quality and amount of irreverence just ooze 2000s internet culture.
“Hi, I’m a Slut” gives off japan pop vibes with its bubbly computerized sound. This blended in with a hip-hop beat and Lil Mariko’s sugary anime girl rap push this song over the edge for me into perfection. It’s hilarious, irreverent, and genius. The lyrics to the chorus, “Hi, I’m a slut (hello), Do what I want, I don’t give a fuck (nope), Post a titty, make a simp nut (oops), Proud bitch, I smile when I suck (yeah)…” gives off strong fuck you vibes to the insels or “Nice Guys” that harass women on the internet and to those who objectify and harass women for being sex positive. Again, internet culture is strong with this one, especially with the skit between this guy and Lil Mariko at the bridge. This track also abandons her regular venomous screams in following choruses, which give give the song an entirely different atmosphere. We continue with references to internet and texting culture on “100 Dicks”. Her hellish vocals on the chorus work fantastically here. To those who’ve had men send unsolicited dick pics to them, this one goes out to you. “I’m Baby” serves that sweet and crazy girl that just wants to be “baby” and will lose her shit if you don’t give her the attention she wants. This one is the most “metal” of all the tracks on the E.P.. I can very easily see the comparisons to Poppy on this track. “Disgusting” (feat. Zheani) is here to let it’s freak flag fly. It might be creepy, gross, or disgusting but she’s game. “Catboy” gives you full anime vibes. I love the dark vibes this track gives off. Of course, we’re here to show love to all the girls/guys/non-binarys that are here for some catboy anime good times. It’s hilarious and a bop. I love it.
For her first E.P., Lil Mariko delivers smart, irreverent takes on internet and pop culture that any millennial or gen-Z will love. Her juxtaposition between cutesy and demonic vocal performances are something to marvel at. I am interested to see where she will go next. My standout tracks:
- “Hi, I’m a Slut”
- “100 Dicks”
- “Shiny” (feat. Full Tac)
- “Catboys”
My overall rating: 6.5 out of 10 Catboys
