KATSEYE’s Second EP Unleashes BEAUTIFUL CHAOS
Photo: HYBE
When KATSEYE dropped a pre-release on April 30, it caused discourse about what that meant for the group’s sound. That song? “Gnarly.” The reception? Regardless of your impression of the song now, “Gnarly” was only a fraction of KATSEYE’s latest EP, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS. That song only scratched the surface of what their second EP would bring. Released on June 27, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS represents how KATSEYE owns a diverse sound that still feels completely theirs.
TRACKLIST:
“Gnarly”
“Gabriela”
“Gameboy”
“Mean Girls”
“M.I.A”
Twists at Every Corner
So far, KATSEYE has displayed distinct singles: “Debut,” “Touch,” “Gnarly,” and “Gabriela” all carry different sounds. The transition from the hyperpop “Gnarly” to the Latin-influenced pop song “Gabriela” needs to be studied. For a song about telling someone to back away from your partner, the instrumental for “Gabriela” comes off gentle but sly, unlike the aggressive tone of its message. Daniela, who is of Hispanic heritage, gets to sing the song’s bridge in Spanish.
The music video interprets this “hands off” threat into an episode of a mock telenovela, a Latin American soap opera. Actress Jessica Alba stars as the CEO of Gabriela Enterprises, who is seeking a successor for the company. The video unravels dramatically as it shifts into a fight for the CEO position. Whoever creatively manages KATSEYE truly has an eye for attention-grabbing, engaging ideas.
The members' fights bring the jaw-dropping drama expected from this concept. Sophia smashing a glass of alcohol against Eunchae’s head, Eunchae slapping Megan in the face, and Lara cutting off Daniela’s ring finger with an axe (in a fake but amusing manner) kept the video moving with twists and turns. The video even transitioned away from the on-screen theatrics by showing Manon inciting a fight with Sophia offset, causing both to run into another production for a gossip talk show.
The talk show in the music video references a later track, “Mean Girls.” The graphic reads, “WHO ARE THE REAL MEAN GIRLS?” The “mean girls” in this case reference anonymous online users who leave hateful comments. Instead of creating more fights, this song addresses that all women should send each other love and respect. Reflecting its classy way of responding to vitriol, the song uses a soft pop instrumental instead of something rugged. Of all the songs in BEAUTIFUL CHAOS, I enjoy this song the most due to its message and inclusivity; it also shouts out “all the T (transgender) girls and in-between girls.”
“Gameboy,” which received a performance-heavy music video, also takes a soft-sounding approach with someone disrespectful. KATSEYE tells a man who played with their feelings that they have since moved on for the better with a calm song. Though I understand the symbolism and reasoning for naming the song “Gameboy,” it does not lean into the video game aspect enough. Its pre-chorus uses an effect similar to the enemy flying sound in Galaga, but video game references remain sparse in the instrumental.
KATSEYE may sing about disappearing in “M.I.A,” but this finisher to the EP will not escape my mind. Similar to “Gnarly,” “M.I.A” is for late Friday nights partying with friends. Despite its boisterous hook and percussion, this song needs more to feel complete. Its length of 2:09 makes it dissatisfying as there could have easily been another verse or bridge. It misses a final part to make it whole.
BEAUTIFUL CHAOS is aptly titled. It includes beauty (“Gameboy” and “Mean Girls”), chaos (“Gnarly” and “M.I.A”), and the title track combines both aspects (“Gabriela”). With KATSEYE changing up their music in every release, the group keeps everyone guessing. However, one aspect remains certain; they will bring something entertaining.
Edited by Sandy Ou