Author: Abby Graham
When Katseye dropped “Gnarly“ on April 30, 2025, the internet was… confused. This wasn’t your typical pop song—it was loud, it was bold, and it was weirdly chaotic. And that’s exactly why I love it. It’s a sonic departure from their previous releases, yet it feels perfectly in line with the group’s unpredictable vibe. If you’ve ever felt like you needed a song that matches the chaos of your thoughts or the intensity of your emotions, “Gnarly“ is that song.
Before diving into the song itself, it’s important to understand who Katseye is and how they got here. Formed through a joint venture between HYBE and Geffen Records, Katseye is a six-member girl group consisting of Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae. They became known for their debut track “Debut,” but it wasn’t until their single “Gnarly“ that the world really started taking notice. With a unique blend of hyperpop, electronic influences, the Roblox sword sound effect, and confident, no-holds-barred lyrics, they’re carving out a space for themselves in the ever-evolving pop landscape.
Now, when “Gnarly“ first dropped, Katseye posted a TikTok that had many people going back to give the song another chance. It said, “You have to listen to it a couple of times to get it.” This line made the fans realize how self-aware they were about this song. The group was basically acknowledging that this song wasn’t going to be an instant hit for everyone. It wasn’t trying to play by the rules, and they weren’t trying to make it easy for us. But if you got it, you really got it. And if you don’t, boy bye, you hate fun.
One of the first things you notice about the song is its energy, but not necessarily in a good way. The opening lyrics—“Boba tea, Tesla, fried chicken, partyin’ in the Hollywood Hills”—come off as cringy and a little strange. It’s almost like the song is trying too hard to capture a vibe of indulgence and excess, but instead, it feels forced. This odd combination of random, over-the-top references immediately throws listeners off. With no clear direction or plot, it feels more like a mishmash of thoughts, and that’s part of why so many people didn’t connect with the song at first. When the chorus hits with “Everything’s gnarly,” it tries to turn the whole thing into a defiant statement, but instead of feeling like a celebration of the wild, messy side of life, it feels more like an attempt to force an idea without fully pulling it off.
The lyrics are playful, especially in the parts where the speaker boldly claims, “I’m the sh–t, I’m the sh-t.” There’s a bit of a confrontation brewing, especially in the line “Making beats for a boring, dumb b*tch.” This sudden edge to the song adds complexity to what might otherwise just be an anthem of carefree fun. It challenges listeners to not just be in the moment but to question what they’re being fed, what’s “cool,” and who’s controlling the narrative.
The music video (credited down below) for “Gnarly“ definitely played a huge role in shifting people’s opinions about the song. While the track itself was polarizing, the choreography was on another level. The dance moves were sharp, energetic, and perfectly matched the song’s chaotic vibe. Many viewers admitted that they only ended up liking the song because the choreography was so captivating. It was impossible to ignore the level of skill and precision the members displayed, and the visuals in the video added an extra layer of allure that made the song more palatable.
Critics and fans have had a wide range of reactions to “Gnarly“. Some listeners immediately gravitated toward its chaotic, fun energy, praising the group for embracing imperfection and creating something that felt raw and real. It’s a sonic departure from their earlier, more polished sound, and for many, it’s exactly what pop music needs right now. On the flip side, some have found it jarring, with one critic calling it “unlistenable.” And honestly, I get it. This isn’t a song you immediately fall in love with. It’s a bit like art—sometimes it takes a few views to really appreciate what’s going on beneath the surface. But that’s part of what makes it so interesting. Katseye didn’t just make a song for the masses—they made a song that invites you to dig deeper.
At the end of the day, “Gnarly“ isn’t about following the formula. It’s about embracing chaos, self-expression, and being unapologetically yourself, even if it means making people uncomfortable. And that’s why I love it. It’s a fun, audacious anthem for those who are okay with shaking things up. The visual aspect of the song’s music video takes it a step further, with Daniela absolutely commanding attention. Her energy is magnetic, and she brings a presence to the track that is impossible to ignore. Honestly, she has this effortless cool that I just can’t get enough of.
Sure, maybe the Tesla line was a bit too much for me, but that doesn’t stop “Gnarly“ from being one of the most exciting songs I’ve heard this year. It’s chaotic, brash, and unpredictable—and that’s exactly what makes it so unique. I’m here for Katseye’s experimentation era with their sound, and if this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to hear what’s next. Katseye’s upcoming EP, Beautiful Chaos, is dropping June 27, and if this is what they’re leading with, I can’t wait to see how far they’re willing to go. I want more weird. More glitch. More Daniella. Just… no more Tesla, pretty please.
credit: K-pop Bias List
Abby Graham I KXSU Music & Arts Reporter