It's hard to describe the NCT 127 sound in words, but you know it when you hear it. The bass is dirty and booming, yet the vocals go down smooth. It's all about building tension; frenzied beats and samples that don't quite fit — until they do. That is the sweet release that every Neo track is chasing. And the K-pop group's latest single "Sticker" is no exception, except it kind of is. For a group that loves to build layered sonic structures, the production here is minimal, subdued even, and that creates a strange vacuum where every warped note becomes magnified. It's a weird little song, and NCT 127 couldn't be more proud of it.
"The moment we heard the signature flute sound, we realized this is for us," leader Taeyong told press just hours before the release of the group's third studio album Sticker. The flute instrumental is disorienting, even by NCT standards, but Taeyong and fellow rapper Mark put their own Neo spin on the track while working with veteran SM producer Yoo Youngjin. "Taeyong and I discussed how we wanted to show the team's color," Mark said. "I do feel like the fans will really like it."
The thing about NCT 127 is that they, too, have a hard time describing their sound. There, sitting on stage in their perfectly tailored suits, the nine members — Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Doyoung, Yuta, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan — can't quite pin down what makes NCT 127 so unique. Instead, they'd rather let the music speak for itself.
They previewed four songs from the album, each showcasing a different side of 127. "Lemonade" is classic NCT, teeming with swagger; "같은 시선 (Focus)" is atmospheric R&B; "Bring the Noize" is powerful, giving off that gritty "Neo vibe," according to Taeyong; and "Promise You," a favorite among the members, is a synth-pop love letter to their fans, known as NCTzens (or, endearingly referred to as Czennies).
"We've spent a lot of time preparing [this album] for our NCTzens," youngest member Haechan said. "It's been a while since we made a comeback," vocalist Doyoung added. It's been over a year since the release of their last studio album Neo Zone, and while the members participated in NCT's Resonance project in late 2020, coming back together as NCT 127 just hits different.
"We thought a lot about what our fans would want to see from us," Doyoung said. "We wanted to try something new that's different from what we've tried before." The priority for Sticker, he said, was "to show some new colors to NCT 127."
The album has a lot to offer in terms of scope, from the pulsing electronic beats of "Breakfast" — a song that could have easily been a SHINee or f(x) cut — to the emotional piano ballad "The Rainy Night. But nowhere is NCT 127's propensity for pushing the limits more apparent than on title track "Sticker" and its sparkle-cowboy visual, putting a Neo, futuristic twist on a classic Western.
"It's the first time we really dived deep with Yoo Youngjin," Doyoung said. Yoo is one of the architects of SM Entertainment's sound (and, you could even say, modern K-pop). Known for his rhythmic flourishes, experimental song structures, and bombastic production — and the growling, as demonstrated by Haechan and Doyoung on "Sticker" — Yoo already has one meghit under his belt this year, having produced aespa's "Next Level." The song is still at the top of the charts in South Korea. Will "Sticker" be next?
According to SM, the album recorded over 2.1 million stock pre-orders, a new record for NCT. "This is all possible because our fans have been constantly showing us support," Taeyong, ever the leader, said. "We were really nervous, but we're excited. And we're going to work hard to continue becoming even better."
"We hope this moment and this album becomes a gift to fans," Doyoung adds. "One that makes them look back later and realize this was one of the best from NCT 127."
It's been only five years since 127 debuted. Yet, in that period, they've consistently challenged themselves, musically and personally. According to Jaehyun, their success wouldn't have been possible without the team of people around them — managers, stylists, producers, songwriters, and employees who cheer them on from the sidelines. It takes a village to raise a K-pop group.
"Without everyone around us who's been helping and all our fans as well, it would've been difficult for us to become who we are today and really grow into the individuals we are," he said, humbly. "Being in our fifth year hits a bit differently now. I hope for us to always keep that heart of gratitude and thanks toward our fans and everyone around as we continue forth."
"Five years isn't a short period of time," Doyoung added. "We've had a lot of experiences as NCT 127, but even within, one thing that hasn't changed from the beginning to now is the relationship and connection we have with our fans. It's one where we fully support each other, and we try to keep to that mindset."
As for what NCT 127 wants to accomplish next, at the top of their list is another world tour. They miss touring and seeing NCTzens around the world. "I do want to meet our fans soon," Johnny said. "I'm just waiting for that day to come." Across the stage, sitting on the opposite end of the setup, Doyoung clutched his chest. He misses touring, too. "Once the situation gets better, we are definitely going to get started," he said.
Until that day comes, NCT 127 are reveling in their newfound success. No, not the numbers. But the confidence that comes from taking one of the biggest risks of their careers, of releasing a song that's at once familiar and completely unrecognizable. Isn't that just so NCT?
"We are back better than ever," Taeil smiled.
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