"N.e.o."

NCT 127’s songs are very different from what mainstream media is familiar with. They have a variety of sounds infused into one, something that hasn’t been done before. A word to describe this phenomenon is Neo. Neo, originating from the Greek word Neos, means new. Their new song ‘Kick It’ is rich with an addictive sound to it and sounds very fitting for the Greek word.

The group’s recent song is a well-made tribute to the late Bruce Lee. The energy for the choreography, song, and music video is simply praiseworthy. The boys have managed to make an entire genre with their songs, and “Kick It” only further proves it.

Interestingly, the public is starting to perk their ears. The pre-orders alone have sold fifty-three thousand copies. This number was a record for the boys since their debut. The group has finally managed to garner the attention they deserve, through their music alone.

Dispatch too, has fallen victim to their Neo style of music. We’ve looked into this insanely addictive song that is “Kick It.”

◆ "The History of Neo"

NCT 127 are the epitome of Neo culture technology. NCT 127 are a Seoul-based multi-national boy group that promotes actively in South Korea. The group consists of Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, WinWin, Mark, Haechan, and Jungwoo. 

The start of Neo first unraveled in the year of 2016. The word was first presented to the audience with the song “Fire Truck.” The first concept that was released to the public was a genre of moombahton- an electronic dance music genre. Their choreography and overall performance were also a work of art.

NCT 127 continues to push and create their own genre with their music. Their song “Limitless” is a mix of R&B, and “Cherry Pop” is a mix of urban and hip hop. All of these songs are included in the spectrum, that is Neo. Although their music is more of an acquired taste, it is definitely addictive. The growth in the NCT train most likely stems from global recognition.

The boys are the first to challenge a fusion-like genre. Songs like “Regular” (A latin trap), “Simon Says” (urban hiphop), and “Superhuman” (complextro) are all evidence that they’re capable of adventure and taking risks. NCT 127 has successfully created their own genre, Neo.

◆ "Is 'Kick It', mainstream?

NCT 127 has planned a new album since last year. Through promotions in the U.S., the A&R team has worked extra hard to make this album a reality. After much thought for their title track, they ultimately decided on “Kick It” to showcase their colors.

“Kick It” is your fast paced, intense hip hop song. The song has an addictive sound to it that appeals to the public. The song is trendy, but something makes it unique to NCT 127.

The song goes into a hook almost immediately. Taeyong, Mark, Jaehyun, and Johnny kicks off the hook in verses similar to one another.

'Let me introduce you to some new thangs new thangs new thangs', 'bass kick swingin' like I’m Bruce Lee Bruce Lee Bruce Lee'.

This song is impossible to expect. It immediately goes in with a hook at the first verse and the tempo naturally starts to build up right after.

It then goes down a beat during the free chorus. When the tempo starts to pick up again, you’ll be able to hear Haechan, Jungwoo, Taeil, Doyoung, Yuta, and Johnny all flaunt their vocals.

◆ "NCT 127, an unparalleled group"

This is just who they are as a group. This is NCT 127’s own vibe. Whatever the genre is, NCT is capable of doing it in their own color. To get a glimpse of their style, listen to their songs and especially the chorus. Mark, Taeyong, and Jaehyun lead the punk style that’s authentic to NCT 127.

The lyrics are fun and unique. “Kick It” is a song that encourages people to overcome their trauma. “Flying and moving forward like Bruce Lee”, this expression was used to indicate someone overcoming hardships in a lighthearted way.

“Kick It” can sound strange at first. It is far from your average, mainstream pop song. However, many have claimed that the song is different after your first, second, and third time. You’ll soon find yourself immersed in their songs and energy. They definitely stick out like a sore thumb in the competitive Kpop industry.

American cable channel MTV complimented the group by adding, “Their variety of genres are expected to make a splash in the music industry, worldwide. Billboard also added their own thoughts on the group. “They are incredibly charismatic, and their energy is addictive”. COS remarked “Neo Zone is by far NCT 127’s most well-made album”. AP news also voiced their opinion “It’s an album for all music lovers around the world”.

◆ "No room for judgements"

COS didn’t hold back with their compliments. “They perform perfectly with their Neo swag.” The choreography is on another level. As far as “Kick It” goes, there is no room for judgement. It’s simply impossible to dislike the song or the art behind it. The action scenes were especially astounding.”

“Kick it” is a song for the global audience. The choreography alone took four teams from different ethnic groups to complete. Jung Koosung, The Quick Style Crew, Julien De Guzman, and Brian Puspos all took part in forming the choreography.

The main choreography is surprisingly simple. You put your hands in the air, above your head, and move your fingers around as you sway to the music. It’s complicated at first but simple enough for fans to follow along with a little bit of guidance. The music video is just as great as the song because it’s like an action movie on its own. It’s packed full of action stunts and the typical action movie background.

The choreography and song deserve all the recognition, and the dance is amazing. However, although it’s hard to pick just one; the highlight has to be Mark’s martial arts inspired dance break. The boys break out into the verse “na na na na na na” as he gets ready to soar. He performs in classic, Bruce Lee fashion when he reenacts a stunt, by pretending to take down the members as he pierces through the sky.

“There are no limits”, an iconic line of Bruce Lee. This expression can also be used to describe NCT 127; there are no limits with their music. We look forward to their growth and next steps in the industry. Exactly how and what will they bring to the table? They continue to do music in a way that’s never been done before.

<Translated by=Justina Kim(Dispatch)>