Love has a particular means of one way or the other delighting and confounding us, particularly when issues boil all the way down to issues of compatibility between people. The varied realm of persona varieties, as popularly delineated by the Myers-Briggs Sort Indicator (MBTI), has lengthy captivated those that search not solely self-discovery and understanding however romantic too. One such sort, ISTJs, identified for his or her consideration to element and groundedness, turns into NCT Dream’s muse of their newest full-length album of the identical identify.
The file’s title observe and opener, additionally titled ‘ISTJ’, units the stage of star-crossed lovers from two opposing worlds. Right here, NCT Dream place themselves as ENFPs – the polar reverse of the ISTJ sort, which additionally occur to be the MBTI of their love curiosity. Right here’s the place the seven-piece subvert expectations: as an alternative of taking part in into the stereotypes that sometimes observe these MBTI associations, they insist on nonetheless desirous to get to know their ISTJ muse on a deeper degree; they recognise that there’s extra to an individual than 4 letters and a pre-assigned persona sort. It’s what makes ‘ISTJ’ so refreshing lyric-wise.
Even on a manufacturing degree, the tune thrives. It has a sure diploma of playfulness informal listeners would already come to count on from an NCT Dream observe, pushed by the identical robust hip-hop and pop influences current of their earlier releases. A extremely attention-grabbing side to ‘ISTJ’ is a short tempo change within the bridge that subtly halts the excessive we’ve been driving on for a lot of the tune – suppose aespa’s ‘Subsequent Stage’ or Stray Youngsters’ latest comeback ‘S-Class’. However on ‘ISTJ’, the transformation captures your consideration with out sacrificing the essence of the tune.
The remainder of ‘ISTJ is so rife in selection that, from right here on out, it turns into a rollercoaster of feelings and experiences we accompany the boyband on. The West Coast hip-hop sounds drawn on ‘Skateboard’ are extremely palpable, together with sprinkles of UK home, layers upon layers of each these eccentric and nostalgic components constructed with intention. But, they one way or the other by no means threaten to steal the actual highlight of any NCT Dream tune: their sheer vocal means.
‘SOS’ is a equally dynamic hip-hop observe and is a contender for greatest observe on the album based mostly on the glossy and immersive instrumental introduction alone. It instantly settles on this distinctive groove characterised by a booming bass line, however it’s actually the refrain, carried out in alluring whisper-raps juxtaposed in opposition to harsh beats, that give it the right of completion. ‘Pretzel (♡)’ has robust roots in hip-hop as properly, however leans extra in the direction of the digital synths that give it a futuristic cybernetic edge. Sadly, the transitions from rap to vocal verses on this observe are, for the dearth of a greater phrase, harsh, making for a chaotic listening expertise.
R&B is probably the most current – and deliciously so – in ‘Poison’. The synths type a sultry backdrop for the syrupy vocals and harmonies of NCT Dream’s proficient roster of vocalists, whose voices, each aside and collectively, are the issues of desires. Vocals additionally take centre stage on the formidable glam rock-inspired ‘Damaged Melodies’. The tune ebbs and flows with dramatic drum beats and electrical guitar riffs, a notable and memorable departure from the sonic panorama we often affiliate with NCT Dream.
The remaining songs on ‘ISTJ’ sluggish the tempo down. ‘Yogurt Shake’ harkens again to the romantic innocence NCT Dream’s model was first constructed upon. The tune depends closely on the group’s vocalists and their harmonisations to get that melodic sweetness throughout. ‘Blue Wave’, then again, is a spirited and upbeat counterpart to 2021’s ‘Dive Into You’. It’s a stable mid-tempo pop entry that actually shines when the group’s vocalists are given ample house to shine. In the meantime, hypnotic acoustic guitar chords of bossa nova outline ‘Starry Night time’. It evokes vignettes of lovers sitting by a brilliant, burning campfire by the seaside previous sundown at first, however issues take a flip for the odd as entice beats are quickly launched – a left flip for one thing that began with numerous potential.
Closing the album is ‘Like We Simply Met’, a sluggish ballad penned by all seven members and co-composed by Mark, Jeno and Jaemin. It’s, in normal Okay-pop trend, the compulsory fan-dedicated confessional with minimalist instrumentation to its personal detriment. It does properly in paying homage to their loyal fanbase, contemplating it’s some members’ first time contributing self-written lyrics, however doesn’t provoke a lot past that. For an album as dynamic and fluid as ‘ISTJ’ has been up thus far, ending the album on a cliché sluggish ballad seems like a slapdash conclusion.
NCT Dream have undoubtedly launched albums far more cohesive than ‘ISTJ’ prior to now, however this album’s eclectic synergy born of its medley of sounds is its predominant power. ‘ISTJ’ places on show the sheer versatility of the seven-piece’s means as musicians and their willingness to discover mixtures of genres and buildings past the mainstream. ‘ISTJ’ is a head-banging surplus of the buoyancy many have come to know and love NCT Dream for, however as Renjun stated within the press convention for the discharge: “I feel that is only the start.”
Particulars
- Launch date: July 17, 2023
- Document label: SM Leisure
