We just got used to some “new thangs” and now NCT 127 comes out with a solid “Punch!” Fresh off the release of Neo Zone back in March, NCTzens are being fed once again with a repackaged album titled Neo Zone: The Final Round. The title track “Punch” brings listeners back to a sound not heard from NCT 127 for a while.

The Song

The song begins with a set of video game-inspired electronic sounds, reminiscent of the Mortal Kombat theme. It then drops out for a few moments, replaced by a rolling drum beat that the members chant over, then the electronic sounds return and continue through the majority of the song in the background. Following the chant, Taeyong, Jaehyun, and Mark take turns whisper rapping in your ear that adds an extra layer to the song, especially when listened to through headphones. The pre-chorus and chorus head to a direction we haven't seen in NCT 127 title tracks for a very long time; the vocalists lead and the rappers follow. While this makes for a pleasant groovy sounding song a la “Touch,” unfortunately, it makes it so the chorus blends into the rest of the song. There is never a true drop, leaving a little to be desired for those so used to NCT 127’s signature dramatic drops.

The Music Video

The music video adds to the ever-growing video game theme seen in Neo Zone. In the beginning, it looks like a video game menu screen. Almost as if the person with the controller hit “start,” the music video springs to life with the members showing off their impressive body control in the center of the boxing ring, which takes many forms throughout the music video. Taeyong, Mark, Johnny, Jaehyun, and for a brief moment, Yuta are seen in the music video with busted up faces, making it easy to think that there was a scuffle between the members. The video alternates between choreography scenes in the ring and colorful melting scenes that shows the members throwing punches and occasionally wielding bats. For clothing, the members wear three different outfits that are all eye-catching in their own right. The first look is a grungy leather outfit complete with studded patterns, multiple zippers, and even daring cutouts. This look was paired with daring silver accessories. The second set of outfits are the colorful racing jackets seen in the promotional photos and finally, the red letterman jackets emblazoned with NCT regalia partnered with artfully styled jeans. The final look is actually one the viewers of “Beyond The Zone” were treated with for the first stage performance of “Punch.”  Overall, the video was exciting to watch albeit a little underwhelming. 

Final Thoughts

While the expectations were high for “Punch,” it did leave a lot to be desired. However, the return to the groovy vocals is a refreshing change for many who have been NCTzen’s for a long time. “Punch” will fit very well in a daily listening playlist. 

Check out the music video for “Punch” below!