Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, followers, and newbies. This week, let’s talk about NCT 127’s new LP. As always, if you haven't already, feel free to do so. subscribe Sign up for my complimentary newsletter to receive Fan Chant straight to your inbox every week!
I have a theory about the new music video for “Walk,” the title track of NCT 127’s latest album: the fact that Mark Lee walks on water wasn’t created through special effects. I feel like he can do it.
For all those still working on mastering NCT’s expansive universe in its entirety (current number: 26 members across six interlocking subunits and teams), let’s zoom in for a moment. NCT 127 is the unit comprised of members Taeyong, Taeil, Jaehyun, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan. Even within an experimental group, NCT 127 has established themselves as especially fearless; from the start, these boys set to work identifying what “neocultural technology” could actually sound like, employing wildly inventive beats, glitches, and sonic flourishes that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in K-pop.
Take 2019's “Superhuman,” for example, where what could have been a standard upbeat anthem turns into overwhelming energy. And as a “Sticker” apologist of sorts, I sincerely believe this is the only team of artists that could have been Rising to the challenge to safely put a personal touch on such a crazy track.
Now, the boys are here with their sixth album, on which they are completely in their strike zone. On the focus track, the disco scratches offset the committed vocals of the team’s capable vocalists. One of the things you feel most about watching NCT 127 perform is the fact that they’re not afraid to embrace humor or absurdity; between the focused moments of choreography and acting in the “Walk” music video is an onslaught of silliness.
In an age where many albums across all genres are becoming shorter, it's refreshing to WALK to make it to 11 full tracks. There's the playful “Orange Seoul,” which brims with nostalgic energy, while “Gas” brims with confidence. The latter song's siren background, which mimics a car skidding, is quintessential Code 127. For anyone looking for a starting point for this group, WALK It's here, right on time.
Watch the music video for “Walk” below and scroll down to see the full album.
Song recommendation of the week:
While this isn't my favorite choreography of theirs (am I wrong or do these vibes not quite match?), I do love the energy and sound of KISS OF LIFE.
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