KATSEYE’s comeback single Gnarly, released on April 30, 2025, has ignited widespread discussion among fans and critics due to its unconventional lyrics and striking visuals. The song, featuring references to “boba tea,” “Tesla,” and “fried chicken,” has divided listeners, with some praising its bold energy and others calling it the “worst song of 2025.”
A New Sound for KATSEYE
KATSEYE, a six-member global girl group formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’ reality show The Debut: Dream Academy, consists of Manon (Switzerland), Sophia (Philippines), Daniela, Lara, Megan (USA), and Yoonchae (South Korea). After their 2024 debut with the EP SIS (Soft Is Strong), which included hits like Debut and Touch, the group returned with Gnarly as their first single of 2025.
The song marks a shift from their earlier bubblegum pop and R&B-infused tracks. Gnarly embraces a hyperpop, bass-heavy sound with experimental elements. Produced by Slow Rabbit, Pink Slip, Tim Randolph, and “hitman” Bang, with contributions from songwriters like Alice Longyu Gao, Madison Love, and Jacob Kasher, the track is bold and unapologetic. Its music video, directed by Cody Critcheloe, features neon visuals, Y2K-inspired fashion, and high-energy choreography, amplifying the song’s chaotic vibe.
Lyrics That Stir Controversy
The song opens with Yoonchae saying, “They could describe everything with one single word / You know, like.” This sets the stage for the first verse, led by Sophia and Megan, which lists seemingly random items:
Boba tea (Gnarly) / Tesla (Gnarly) / Fried chicken (Gnarly) / Partyin’ in the Hollywood Hills (Ugh)
The chorus, delivered by Manon and Sophia, doubles down on the brash attitude:
Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis / I’m the shit, I’m the shit (Gnarly) / Obvi, obvi, they be tryna copy / I’m the shit, I’m the shit
The word “gnarly” is repeated over 40 times, serving as a catch-all term for both positive and negative experiences. Other lines, like “Making beats for a boring, dumb chick / Fucking gnarly” and “Je-je-jealous of my mansion?”, have drawn criticism for their aggressive tone and perceived lack of depth.
Fans on social media expressed mixed feelings. Some found the lyrics confusing or poorly written:
The weird mix of slang going from gnarly to gang gang is off putting 😭 sounds like brainrot or a fever dream in a bad way. — Reddit user
The music video was so cutesy, but the lyrics are just not good 😭. “Making beats for a dumb bitch (fucking gnarly)” LIKE GENUINELY WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT MEAN — @pexchymia
Others defended the song’s playful, satirical take on Gen Z culture:
Gnarly is intentionally exaggerated to the point of parody and the mv is made to mock consumer culture Most of the lyrics are aggressive, ironic, and self-aware It’s litteraly performative arrogance and mockery but yall just don’t get it — @justeyekon
The mention of Tesla sparked particular backlash, given Elon Musk’s controversial public image in 2025. One X user noted:
Hybe just had to add that tesla line into their song. It’s like they’re trying to setup katseye on purpose
Interestingly, the clean version of the song, used for Korean broadcasts, replaces “Tesla” with “robotics,” which some fans preferred:
It’s extra unnecessary because in the clean version (on Apple Music) they swap out Tesla for robotics and it sounds just fine, if not better. — LiveJournal user
The Music Video and Choreography
The Gnarly music video, released on April 30, 2025, has been a highlight for many fans despite the lyrical controversy. The video showcases a party-themed setting with surreal, neon-drenched visuals and bold styling. The choreography, performed with precision by all six members, has been widely praised. Jay of ENHYPEN makes a cameo, adding to the video’s buzz, while actress Renee Rapp publicly supported the group, saying, “Silence haters.”
Korean netizens, in particular, lauded the group’s stage presence during their first live performance on M Countdown on May 1, 2025. Comments included:
Wow, this is definitely not something you find in typical K-pop.
KATSEYE’s vocal tone is such a strength though… I kind of want to hear a song that focuses on their tone, too.
The performance featured tweaked lyrics, omitting the Tesla reference, which helped sway some skeptics. Netizens noted the song’s energy came across better live, with the members delivering 110% effort.
Fan Reactions and KATSEYE’s Response
The song’s reception has been polarized. Some fans felt HYBE and Geffen Records failed the group with subpar lyrics:
Katseye I love you but Gnarly is awful, the lyrics are questionable….the record label set the girls up cus why is there like barely any singing — @kep1prix
Who the hell is the songwriter? What did u do to Katseye? ‘Gnarly’ is not gnarly at all. They have so much talent, they can sing so well and u give them that.. (Choreo and visuals ate tho.) — X user
Others appreciated the group’s attempt to push boundaries:
I like gnarly by katseye but it’s the god awful lyrics — @ar11ne
Mv 10/10 choreography ATEEE visuals 10/10 but the lyrics…hybe when I catch you — @taeverseco
KATSEYE addressed the feedback lightheartedly in a TikTok video on the release night, with Manon saying:
You’re not going to get the song the first time you hear it. After a second and third time, you’re going to be like ‘Woah, what is this?!’
Lara shared with The FADER that recording Gnarly was a fun, experimental process:
‘Gnarly,’ it’s a very unstructured song, it’s kind of random. It’s more about the vibe. When we got into the studio, we had to try a lot of different characters, a lot of different voices to see what worked.
Manon added that the group embraced the song’s chaos, even recording parts in a British accent for fun.
The Song’s Origins and Intent
Gnarly was first teased in a 2023 TikTok by The Chainsmokers, featuring Alice Longyu Gao singing the intro and first verse. The clip suggests the song was initially a scrapped collaboration before being pitched to KATSEYE. The group has stated that Gnarly reflects their experiences as young women navigating fame and the digital age. In a press release, they said:
We want people to feel the vibes, to really connect with our music. ‘Gnarly’ feels true to us — it’s bold, it’s fun, and it shows a different side of what we’re about.
Some analyses suggest the song is a satirical commentary on consumer culture and the oversimplification of language. The repetitive use of “gnarly” mocks how trendy slang can reduce complex experiences to a single word. Lines like “Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis” and “Partyin’ in the Hollywood Hills” lean into performative arrogance, poking fun at social media-driven self-obsession.
Comparisons and Criticisms
The song’s teasers drew comparisons to BLACKPINK and aespa, with some accusing KATSEYE of mimicking their concepts. This led to racist abuse directed at Lara, which fans and the group condemned. Critics also noted similarities to Charli XCX’s BRAT album, but argued Gnarly lacked the lyrical depth and cohesive production of its counterpart:
Yes, agree totally with this analysis. Also, as a big “BRAT” fan, the comparisons HURT ME, that entire album is in another league lyrically and conceptually and Charlie really killed the vocals. — The Bias List
The song’s short duration—2 minutes and 21 seconds—also drew complaints, with some calling it “half a song” that needed more development.
KATSEYE’s Broader Impact
Despite the mixed response, Gnarly has put KATSEYE back in the spotlight. The music video racked up millions of views within days, driven by its choreography and visuals. The group’s diverse lineup and K-pop-inspired training have positioned them as a unique force in global pop. Their upcoming performances at Wango Tango (May 10, 2025) and Lollapalooza (July 31–August 3, 2025) signal their growing presence.
KATSEYE has also made waves in fashion, appearing in Fendi’s 100th-anniversary campaign and Coach’s Spring Summer 2025 show. Their creative director, Humberto Leon, has shaped their bold aesthetic, blending punk and preppy styles.
Also Read: BLACKPINK Lisa’s Maroon 5 Collaboration Priceless Faces Mixed Fan Reactions After Release
Current Updates
As of May 4, 2025, KATSEYE continues to promote Gnarly with live performances and social media engagement. The group is preparing for their second EP, expected later in 2025, which Lara described as “darker” and “edgier.” Fans remain divided, but the EYEKONS fandom is steadfast.
CREDITS: Hypebae, Twitter(X)
