After many singles, NCT WISH released their first EP Steady on September 24. As the newest and final members of NCT, Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo, and Sakuya have already filled their debut year with many fun tracks. This EP contains seven new songs, including the title track “Steady” and a Korean version of their Japanese pre-debut single “Hands Up.”

TRACKLIST:

“Steady”
“3 Minutes”
“Dunk Shot”
“On & On”
“Supercute”
“Skate”
“Hands Up (Korean Ver.)”

The Pre-Releases: “Dunk Shot” and “3 Minutes”

To drive anticipation for the EP, NCT WISH previewed two tracks. “Dunk Shot,” which came out on September 9, and “3 Minutes,” which came out on September 16, showcased two different concepts by the group. Not to be confused with the pop rock NCT DREAM track of the same name, NCT WISH’s “Dunk Shot” is a synth-filled gem. Befitting of its basketball theme, “Dunk Shot” keeps rhythm with percussive beats that hit like players dribbling a ball. The chants of “I go, I go, I shoot the shot and roll” feel as if they’re hyping up a team.

“3 Minutes” on the other hand, while still youthful, goes for a very soft and cute vibe. Its lyrics address the impatient urge to confess romantic feelings while also poking fun at many recent songs’ short runtimes: the speaker says they want to go straight to the point, and that a “whole 3-minute song’s a weird flex” just for a confession.*

The Title Track: “Steady”

NCT WISH continues their cute trend with the schoolboy concept of “Steady.” It describes the evolving romantic relationship between two individuals, one described like an “old school love” in Riku’s rap portion. Considered an old-fashioned term, to “go steady” in a relationship means to make the connection long lasting. I love the hook, which NCT WISH fills to the brim with optimism.*

The music video portrays the song’s message through an unexpected relationship. Sakuya befriends a ghost, and the two quickly become close. With the rest of NCT WISH, they hang out by the beach, go shopping, and even practice choreography. I won’t spoil the whole storyline, but this concept is very engaging. The only issue presents itself in some of the school interior shots, which give a murky feeling for a supposedly cheerful and wholesome video.

The B-Sides

The rest of the EP feels in line with the previously-discussed B-sides “Dunk Shot” and “3 Minutes.” Listeners can groove to the R&B style of “On & On,” the trap beat of “Supercute,” and the alternative pop sound of “Skate.” Fans can also enjoy a Korean version of “Hands Up,” first released last year when NCT WISH promoted under their pre-debut name NCT NEW TEAM.

This EP feels reminiscent of NCT DREAM’s earlier discography. Both groups debuted as the youngest members of NCT, which explains the similar approach. While I don’t see myself revisiting this EP as often, the group still carries the NCT sound—there’s always something interesting on every release.