Being a Katseye fan takes real resilience. Since the group debuted three years ago through the reality show The Debut: Dream Academy—a mix of boot camp and competition—the multinational K-pop girl group has put their fans, known as Eyekons, through a lot. Just last month, they lost their second member to a hiatus linked to “personal health and wellness,” with Sophia joining Manon, who stepped away under more mysterious circumstances back in February, on the sidelines. Weeks later, they scored their first US No 1 album with Wild, led by the upbeat dance-pop track “Pinky Up”—a song their many online critics dismiss as “skibidi toilet music,” meaning low-quality filler.
Even as their debut arena tour reached the UK, there were worries the newly reshaped quartet might shrink to a trio after Megan sprained her ankle. But if the fans are concerned, they don’t show it. Their ear-piercing screams drown out the opening track, “Hootie Frutti,” a mix of sounds that somehow makes Brazilian funk feel heavy. By the time the playful hyperpop tune “Internet Girl” kicks in, they’re shouting lines like “eat zucchini, eat zucchini” as if their lives depend on it.
A now-recovered Megan, along with Lara, Daniela, and Yoonchae, do their best to match that energy. They lock into the light, airy early single “Touch,” which brings to mind their K-pop peers NewJeans, while last year’s breakout hit “Gabriela” gets a fresh flamenco twist. The choreography is fast-paced throughout, backed by 10 dancers, but the minimalist stage—just a raised platform and a short runway—keeps the focus squarely on the songs. That becomes a problem when the best they can offer is “Animal,” a weak track co-written by Ed Sheeran, or “My Way,” a song so outdated it feels like a recycled X Factor winner’s single.
Things pick up when the band breaks free from the rigid dance routines. The bold, new-wave style of “Bel Air”—a revived Charli XCX demo from 2013—shows off their individual personalities, while the powerful “Gnarly,” with its confident “I’m the shit” hook, proves how well they can sell over-the-top bangers as long as they stay on the fun side of silly. Not that the fans care much either way; to them, Katseye can do no wrong, and the so-called skibidi toilet music is just part of the charm. At the O2 Arena, London, 4 September, then Co-op Live, Manchester, 6 September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Katseye review covering the music the groups situation and the critical response
General Background
Q Who is Katseye
A Katseye is a global girl group formed through the Netflix survival show Dream Academy Theyre known for having members from different countries and a polished popfocused sound
Q What does the review say about the groups turmoil
A The review refers to the public pressure and internal conflicts the group has faced often highlighted in their documentary This backdrop of stress and uncertainty is a key theme in understanding the emotional weight of their new music
Q Is this a review of a single an album or a live performance
A Its a review of their latest music release focusing on the sound and lyrical themes It analyzes how these songs fit into the groups current story
The Music Style
Q What does hyperpopinfused mean
A It means the songs blend typical pop melodies with hyperpop elements That includes things like heavily autotuned vocals distorted crunchy basslines very fast beats and a chaotic maximalist production style that feels very digital and online
Q What does moody sound like in this context
A It means the songs arent bright or purely upbeat They have a darker more atmospheric tone Expect minor keys a slower or more intense tempo and lyrics that feel introspective anxious or melancholic rather than just about love and dancing
Q How does this new music compare to their older more popfocused hits
A According to the review its a big shift Their older stuff was more straightforward and catchy The new tracks are more experimental and risktaking trading radiofriendly hooks for a more niche edgy and emotional sound
Q What are the main lyrical themes in the songs
A The lyrics reportedly deal with the pressure of fame feeling isolated dealing with betrayal and the anxiety of not knowing who to trust Its very much about the turmoil theyre experiencing behind the scenes
Critical Reception Analysis
Q Is the review positive or negative
