★★★☆☆

Katseye are back with their new EP, 'WILD', a five-track project with a similar flair to their popular past singles, 'Gabriela' and 'Gnarly'.

It's been a year since the release of their last EP, 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS', but it never truly felt like the global girl group left the building - instead, it only seemed like they put their foot further on the gas. They released standalone singles like 'INTERNET GIRL' and 'ICONIC BY MISTAKE', which kept stoking the fire before the new EP landed.

The group is known for their global hyper-pop music; the first track, 'PINKY UP', showcases typical features of this through the heavy distorted sounds and fast tempo. The song centres on freedom, as suggested in the line "Us against the world, shaking a** in the parking lot"; it emphasises this sense of autonomy and confidence that the song's production reinforces. 

The second track slows down a bit, with the guitar chords reminiscent of Portugal. The Man's 'Feel It Still' - this, alongside the drumline, drives the melody forward to a snappy pop chorus with writing contributions from the pop maestro himself, Ed Sheeran. His presence is particularly felt in the catchy lines of the chorus, "Nobody knows you're out of control / You move like an animal" - within one listen, the lyrics already feel familiar and infectious, much like his own music.

The second half of the EP showcases some experimentation from the group, particularly in 'Hootie Frutti', which carries Brazilian funk inspiration and blends that with dance-pop drums and sharp percussive synths that build in the chorus. This is a slightly new sound for the girls, and it's refreshing; hearing them practice and define their sound through their various EP's and singles is truly engaging and shows their willingness to grow and learn as artists. 

'Bel Air' feels quite electrifying through its production, but it's the clarity of the lyrics and their melodies that take centre stage. Once again, the pop group's motto of independence and confidence shines through in the line, "Now look at me I'm leaving you behind", but it's the duality of this, and the vulnerability, that hooks you in. Despite its upbeat sound, the track is tinged with nostalgic hurt through the opening lyrics, "Been stuck inside my mind since Saturday / Can't get you off my radar" - this exploration of conflicting emotion offers new depth to their lyricism that wasn't quite felt before. 

At the end of the record, we're greeted with 'That Way', a track that reaffirms their value as the prize in a relationship - the line "You could be mine, if you're lucky" places the power in their hands and is set to a pop backdrop evocative of Pharrell Williams' production style on Ariana Grande's 'Sweetener'. The vocal delivery from Lara and Yoonchae in the pre-chorus creates a satisfying feel of momentum before the chorus hits - it's a captivating pop song that ends the EP on an empowering high. 

The 13 minutes display a promising era for the group, with influence and experimentation present throughout. Whilst it seems like they're still exploring what their sound could be, they do it with finesse - they showcase how the talent of five girls can breed so much versatility; it leaves you excited for the road ahead.

Jessica Sansoa

@jessicasansoa

Image: 'WILD' Official EP Cover