Recommended Tracks: “That Way” and “Animal”
Artists You Might Like: Fifth Harmony, BLACKPINK, JENNIE
Leaning into the brain-rot lyricism of their hit “Gnarly,” Katseye released their latest EP, WILD, on Aug. 14. By adding these new tracks to their discography, Katseye continues to water down each member’s talents, opting instead to create viral, catchy verses.
Electro-pop-infused WILD marks Katseye’s third EP, with no clear vision of their sound yet. Pulled together by HYBE and Geffen Records, members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung survived a rigorous competition and training period during their formation.
Manon and Sophia are currently on hiatus from the group, the latter being present during WILD’s creation. Since the label used K-Pop methodology to form Katseye for a global audience, it only makes sense that they continue to push their latest songs to climb the charts. Though memorable and fun, WILD’s overall unclear vision and vague lyrics are disappointing because each member doesn’t get to show off their full potential.
A rave opens up the EP through “PINKY UP.” Pounding bass drums reverberate through glitchy electronic keys. They dish out with their closest friends, shedding drama. “We Mona Lisa with a cute attitude,” they flaunt. An auto-tuned repetition of “Pinky Up” ties in the choruses before leading out the song over club-jumping, pulsating beats.
Co-written by Ed Sheeran, “Animal” lets the women show off vocally, with each taking turns on the verses. The lyrics reveal how people hide their private personalities, gliding over subtle cymbal taps and soft clapping. The track floats safely in their discography, neither elevating their sound nor fitting into the “Gnarly” and “PINKY UP” club music.
“Hootie Frutti” makes for an earworm of a song. Filled with nonsensical lyrics, the song’s infectious but annoying energy still manages to loop in your mind due to the Brazilian phonk percussion. Daniela opens the song seductively, cooing in Portuguese before they all chant “Hootie Frutti” for most of the song. The lyrics come at random, as if words were thrown into a hat and picked out. Yoonchae’s verse goes, “Carry my matcha/Mount Valley water/I like my mochi drenched in chocolata.”
The last two tracks slow down the pace. “Bel Air,” a scrapped Charli xcx song, pictures yearning over a lover that’s gotten away. The women’s voices float over an accordion-sounding keyboard and marching snare.
“That Way” concludes the EP with a sound that finally shifts toward a vocal-focused style. Harmonizing vocals and flirtatious lyrics melt together with groovy keys. Lara shows off her whistle tones over the others’ stacked voices.
Featured in a Target-exclusive version, “Unloveu” delivers one of Katseye’s best tracks. Written and co-produced by Lara, alongside Amy Allen and Ross Golan, the melancholy tone finally gives some authentic emotions from Katseye. Through intense longing, their belting sounds close to early Camila Cabello.
Even though WILD brings more chunky lyrics and chart-chasing rhythms, “That Way” and “Unloveu” also show their talent hiding beneath their hits. The EP is catchy but struggles to feel authentic.
Keep up with KATSEYE: Spotify // Instagram // YouTube // TikTok // Website
