A far-cry from "Touch" but in its essence entirely KATSEYE, "Gnarly" erupts onto the scene with its rambunctious club-like feel and vivacious attitude.
EYEKONS have eagerly awaited new music from the HYBE x Geffen Records global-girl group since they dropped their EP SIS (Soft Is Strong) back in 2024. The chart topping debut EP saw hits like "Touch"—which found virality thanks to its catchy, cutesy chorus and addictive choreography—and the aptly named "Debut."
Image: Rahul Bhatt
Now the girls are back, with a new look and a pop diva attitude in their latest single "Gnarly." Teased on the 16 April, "Gnarly" already promised to be something different from the group's previous music and it certainly didn't disappoint.
This hard-hitting club banger secures its place at the forefront of this new era from the get-go, eliciting excitement and a sense of unsettlement—this isn't the KATSEYE we fell in love with on the reality show Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, these girls have evolved into powerful women who earned their place within the cut-throat music industry.
KATSEYE says: “We want people to feel the vibes, to really connect with our music. ‘Gnarly’ feels true to us — it’s bold, it’s fun, and it shows a different side of what we’re about. It feels good to share more of that as we grow alongside the EYEKONS.”
Coming from diverse backgrounds, the members Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae, don't fit into one given category. This group, though formed through K-pop training methodologies, blur the lines between K-pop and global pop giving fans the best of every genre.
"Gnarly" is unapologetically loud and uncomfortable—it demands your attention, just like these six unique women who each bring something special to the table. The growth between SIS and "Gnarly" is stark as the group's vocals have advanced with a mature-edge that matches nicely within the explicit nature of the track (though a clean version is also available for younger listeners).
The rebellious vibe of the song extends to the cleverly crafted music video, which explores the blending of reality with the digital world. KATSEYE's prowess juxtaposes a vulnerability that is subtle at first before coming to fruition through creepy visuals—highlighting the pressures which are synonymous with fame.
While on it's surface "Gnarly" doesn't ooze the palpable femininity fans enjoyed from "Touch," this track explores an unapologetic type of femininity that screams: 'I'm here, and I'm pretty Gnarly.'
