NCT 127's latest album definitely packs a punch (pun intended) - Killer vocals and rap which leave an impact, but are also easily forgotten?
NCT 127 come back with their second full-length studio album, the repackaged Neo Zone: The Final Round. Unfortunately I haven't bought a physical copy (damn you SM Global Shop for extortionate shipping costs!), but the creative fantastically displays what you can expect from the tracklist - edgy retro vibes, packing a punch.
As expected from NCT 127, this album is filled with catchy pop tunes and grungey rap-orientated tracks like savage 'Sit Down!' and 'MAD DOG'. My personal favourites are 'Elevator (127f)' (Haechan's opening line is absolutely addictive), and 'Dreams Come True', a 90s boyband style slow song, which first released as a gift to fans in honour of NCT 127 Day.
I personally wasn't too keen on some of the slower tempo songs, they lacked emotional impact and slightly felt like filler tracks. The incredible thing about Korean music (and non-English music in general) is that you don't need to understand the lyrics and their deeper meaning, the vocal tone and song's vibes are enough to draw emotion. While 'Not Alone' didn't capture this special characteristic for me, 'White Night' did this perfectly, remaining captivating without the need for slick choreography.
To listen to the full album on your favourite music provider, click the following link: https://nct127.lnk.to/neozonedeluxe
“NCT 127 are the definition of whacky but cool, which can be exciting, yet alienating for new fans”
The lead single, #Punch, is striking to the ears and eyes - Killer vocals (thank you, Taeil & Haechan) are expected from the leading entertainment company SM, whom have a 25-year history of debuting artists with the best voices in K-Pop (take one look at SHINEE Jonghyun's live vocals and you'll understand). Rap, however, is usually associated with YG groups - Bobby from IKON & MINO from WINNER have damaged the stigma that idol rappers can't compare/compete with underground Korean rappers by their appearance on SMTM.
NCT's rap line have a vast amount of potential for SM's development as a company: Taeyong & Mark have changed the game for SM, gaining tremendous amounts of credibility and respect for writing their own intricate raps, which flow and leave a lasting impact.
Although powerful, many NCTzens (NCT's official fan club name) have joked they can't remember Punch, even after streaming the track over & over - I don't think this is what SM were hoping for!
I believe Punch's main flaw is that it's too detailed - It's incredibly easy to miss those small Easter eggs planted by the phenomenal producers, and therefore difficult to remember the track as a whole component. It encapsulates NCT 127's style - they release whacky songs (like Fire Truck & Simon Says) which are different from other groups; this USP draws many fans in, but also alienates quite a few others.
Its 1980's video game style, from branding to music production, emulates a contrasting retro and futuristic feel. It allows the listener to escape from reality, which is needed during these tough times. Produced by Kenzie (SM songwriter & composer) and Dwayne Abernathy, Jr. (American musician & producer for Rihanna, Christina Aguilera), #Punch is a strong, hip-hop banger, which displays Lee Soo-man's key strategy of mixing global talent with the already successful Korean hit formula.
Watch the Music Video for #Punch below, to view the clean choreography:
In typical K-Pop style, NCT 127 rock the military marching band jackets with laid-back baggy jeans. Although their visuals are powerful (as per usual), this look isn't original, and I don't mean this from just a K-Pop standpoint.
K-Pop styling strikingly resembles the New Romantic movement, which took place in the UK during the late 1970s. It was a pop culture movement emerging from the London & Birmingham nightclub scene, characterised by flamboyant and eccentric fashion & make-up. Leaders in this era include: Boy George, Adam and the Ants, Spandau Ballet, and that's just to name a few!
Although it might be a controversial opinion, I don't think K-Pop male idols are actually progressing the normalisation of men wearing makeup or dressing unconventionally at all. K-Pop groups are vastly different to mainstream Western artists right now, but comparing them to artists from 40 odd years ago, it just isn't that innovative.
There aren't many K-Pop groups out there right now who release new concepts; most comebacks are freshly recycled ideas from different eras of music - but isn't that all music? These days it's impossible to create something entirely new, considering the plethora of music genres and styles. I do want to see a K-Pop group try to create a new group-breaking concept though, and I believe NCT 127 are the ones who can lead the way.
NCT 127 - The Final Round: Punch © SM Entertainment
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