NCT Dream is back! And it brings a new soundscape for the fans. The group which is synonymous with joyous and cheerful melodies and lyrics choose to go down a darker path with the latest comeback DREAM()SCAPE, pronounced as ‘dream escape’. This 6-track EP was released on March 25, 2024. This EP is a complete change from the group’s prior musical offerings. DREAM()SCAPE is all about charting new territories, facing one’s demons and rising up above all odds. A ray of hope is ever so present in the songs, but this time it is highlighted with an array of experimental tunes. NCT Dream finds itself working with tunes that sound heavy and different from its previous works. This EP is a foray into a new path of forging their identity and extending their music-making capabilities as a group. Let’s take a closer look at NCT Dream’s DREAM()SCAPE.
1. icantfeelanything
NCT Dream transports the listeners to a cinematic surrounding feel with ‘icantfeelanything’. The song signals the start of a new path in NCT Dream’s journey. The song displays a memorable mix of synth based sonic tunes as the group sings – “Ooh, now I try hard to escape / To the other side of the long night / Stepping over fear / Believing in myself / Towards a new world / Speed up.”
2. SMOOTHIE
It isn’t an NCT unit song if there is no catchy phrase. ‘Smoothie’ is just a song just like that. Well, don’t be fooled by the delicious looking song title for ‘Smoothie’ is a song all about drinking the bitter juice and becoming a darker version of oneself - “Sip and swallow, watch how I blend it up/We ain't picky, just happen to be thirsty/Show you this ruthless method you wanted”. The electro-pop tunes are synonymous with NCT’s musicality. The beat drop right at the chorus is something that might dip the excitement for some listeners, but those who are acquainted with NCT would find it just like the old times.
‘BOX’ is reminiscent of NCT 127’s music. The experimental funk metal tunes at the start of the song. ‘BOX’ is all about breaking the box, the barriers and forging one’s own path. The song weaves its way with a catchy chorus which is accompanied with scratchy rap verses – “The fire is spreading more/The desire is overflowing again/Yeah, we come and go, get it/Nobody lockin' me up”. Member Mark participated in composing and songwriting for this track.
4. CARAT CAKE
‘Carat Cake’ is another experimental offering from this album. Speaking about the shiny diamonds and the allure of those stones, the song is about attaining riches and luxury. It is perhaps the most oddly-worded track of this EP. There is a child-like innocence in the lyrics which borders on a silly humour – “That transparent light/Hit the heart like clink/Got you saying/Wow, wow, wow, wow/That's a carat cake.”
5. UNKNOWN
After a funky and crazy ‘Carat Cake’, comes ‘UNKNOWN’. This song is a song of hope and strength to the listeners. Borrowing from RnB and pairing it with elemental pop music, this song turns a new leaf in the story told so far – “To reach again the dreams / You momentarily forgot / To hear the voice of your heart, baby / So, what if all of this could just be so easy just like?” Mark and Jeno add in their composing and songwriting talents for this track.
6. BREATHING
‘Breathing’ is a soothing ballad track, a good choice to bring the EP to a conclusion. The song changes to softer melodies and lower register vocals as compared to the previous tracks. The song is a message about hope again, and a feeling of gratitude for helping navigate the uncharted waters – “I only know how to breathe with delusions/I'm in the deep end/It's pitch black, can you find me?” Mark, Jeno, Jisung and Jaemin lend their composing and songwriting prowess for this track.
NCT Dream’s latest EP DREAM()SCAPE is nothing short of a surprise. At times, the title track ‘Smoothie’ feels disjointed with abrupt change of genres especially with the bridge and chorus but the song grows on you as you listen to it. The EP moves from a heavy experimental mesh of genres to a calmer and collected presentation of vocals and music. There is a call for help and also a message of solace amongst the songs. NCT Dream channel some of the NCT 127 energy into their latest comeback as they find their way to a new beginning.
What are your thoughts on NCT Dream’s latest comeback? Tell us in the comments below.
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