We got to know KATSEYE when they graduated fresh from the Dream Academy, and learned more about them when they released Soft Is Strong. From ‘Debut’ being their perfect introduction, to ‘Touch’ showing us their potential in becoming household names, we’ve followed KATSEYE’s journey into becoming a global girl group that’s taken the world by storm.
Now they’re back with a short, sweet, and chaotic vengeance in BEAUTIFUL CHAOS!
In BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, KATSEYE doesn’t play it safe. We bore witness to a musical fever dream when they gave us a sneak peek of ‘Gnarly’, and we haven’t forgiven them for that unforgettable experience. The ladies pushed the boundaries and dropped the good girl personas to become worldwide it-girls.
This is an EP that’s bolder, sassier, and hotter while being a dedicated ode to sisterhood and womanhood.
Gnarly
When ‘Gnarly’ dropped a full month before BEAUTIFUL CHAOS was released, the song was a surprise to listen to. And that’s a big understatement. KATSEYE opened BEAUTIFUL CHAOS in the most chaotic way possible, by giving us an unconventional and down-right weird hyperpop song, and this was evident by the mixed reactions the track received!
‘Gnarly’ has an unusual beat and almost nonsensical lyrics. The choreography raised some eyebrows, and the ladies performed with attitude! But that was the essence of the song: pure camp. The music video? Pure theatre. There’s no other way to describe the song other than it being an experience. People didn’t just know ‘Gnarly’, but they talked about it too. It only took a few days for the track to be certified iconic, becoming a song that’s stuck in everyone’s heads.
Gabriela
‘Gabriela’ didn’t match the chaotic energy that ‘Gnarly’ was giving, but it’s still chaotic nonetheless! The track is a mellower, sassier, and comedic Latin Pop track that’s a test of the ladies’ acting and performing skills. ‘Gabriela’ has clear references to the classic jealousy trope seen in Spanish telenovelas, and this is observed across the lyrics, the dance moves and hand styling, and the music video. It doesn’t matter that the KATSEYE girls are throwing sass and pulling each other’s hair! The vocals are gorgeous, the distinct guitar strumming is groovy, and the choreography is simply mesmerising.
Gameboy
KATSEYE’s answer to ‘Touch’, though there really wasn’t a question! When BEAUTIFUL CHAOS dropped, the girls were sure that ‘Gameboy’ is what the Touch-era fans would love the most. And they were right!
‘Gameboy’ is what the girls have described as an “elevated version” of ‘Touch’, and this is evident by how catchy and fun the Y2K-inspired song is, while at the same time extremely well-executed. The vocals itself are delivered smoothly and confidently, and layered beautifully. Overall, ‘Gameboy’ is the most polished song in their discography!
The track is light and easy to follow, and generally evokes good feelings, and the choreography is nothing but bouncy and cute. But don’t be fooled! When you dive into the lyrics, it’s easy to see that KATSEYE sings about being a strong and independent woman who doesn’t need anybody, while still enjoying the thrill of the chase.
Mean Girls
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, and don’t judge a song title by its name. There were theories going around that ‘Mean Girls’ was going to be the confident, “I’m that b*tch” anthem that was going to be a banger. Instead, it’s actually a slower ballad uplifting women, sisterhood, and all types of girls within the gender spectrum.
’Mean Girls’ may be their most meaningful track yet, as KATSEYE celebrates gender inclusivity and solidarity, and telling the world that they can’t be brought down. The track also serves a response to them being perceived as the mean girls when they debuted from the Dream Academy.
The lyrics are simple, the message is profound; sometimes, you don’t need complicated lyrics, strong words, and entendres to write a rallying cry of self-worth. Really props up the “Beautiful” in BEAUTIFUL CHAOS.
M.I.A.
As it turns out, ‘M.I.A.’ is the favourite track for KATSEYE. “No, you won’t put a leash on a b*tch,” they sing.
‘M.I.A.’ is edgy and hypnotic. You wouldn’t think it’s an anthem at first. But this is where the ladies sing about their autonomy and independence, and shatters the idea that idols are marionettes expected to be their best. They’re raw and honest and they know what’s good for them.
In ‘M.I.A.’, KATSEYE is not afraid to walk away. And they’ll do it unapologetically.
Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, Yoonchae, and Manon would never fail to mention that BEAUTIFUL CHAOS was not just about KATSEYE pushing their creative boundaries, but was also about their journey growing as individual artists and the strengthening friendship they have amongst each other.
Even with a short 14-minute long EP, there’s enough of KATSEYE to learn about, and they’re ready to get to know the EYEKONS as they start their first tour in North America! Join the ladies if you get the chance, and let’s cross our fingers that a world tour is soon to follow!
