With the culmination of three years in the making, joint venture HYBE and Geffen Records have finally released the debut EP by global girl group Katseye, titled SIS (Soft Is Strong). As online auditions were held back in November 2021 with a result of 120,000 applicants, a goal to “transcend national, cultural, and artistic boundaries” are proudly represented in the final members chosen: Sophia LaForteza (Filipina), Manon Bannerman (Swiss - Italian - Ghanaian), Daniela Avanzini (Venezuelan - Cuban), Megan Skiendiel (Chinese - Singaporean - American), Lara Rajagopalan (Indian), and Jeong Yoonchae (Korean). In general, pop music since the early 2000’s has been widely considered to be “soft,” though recent pop artists have counteracted this stereotype with witty, lick back lyrics. I’ve found K-POP to bring back this much appreciated and powerful combination focused on strong voices and crisp choreography. 

Noted first track on the EP as well as the first single released, “Debut” serves as an introduction to their vibe with lyrics epitomizing confidence and strength in their individual selves and as a group. It starts with simple “la la la” vocals on beat accompanied with a punchy bass before jumping straight into the first verse full of snaps and a build up of runaround synth strings . The chorus is explosive and addictive; with the last few lyrics of,  “Love me once / I know you’ll love me twice / Love me once / It’s time to roll the dice,” almost serves as an invitation and bold certainty that if you love this track - trust and take a risk, because you’ll love the tracks to follow. 

Second track, “Touch”, is more dreamy and a proclamation of why the significant person you’re seeing is pulling away. Lyrical storytelling in combination with the production based on a few bright piano chords, textures of chimes, and a clock ticking pre-chorus creates a cohesive track backed in context and sound. Third track, “My Way”, lyrically starts out like a follow-up to “Touch”, but ends up rather relating more towards a song about  self-discovery, friendship, and learning through risks. For me, this track really shines in the chorus and harmony of “Gas pedal like 95, flyin’ eastbound /Hands up, no slowin’ me down.” Upon first impression, when it comes to “I’m Pretty,” one would think of it to be a proclamation of being confidently beautiful in appearance (as you should!), but the story of this track is almost of double meaning similar to “Get Him Back” By Olivia Rodrigo. It’s the idea of being “pretty sure I’m not done healing” from a heartbreak but still appearing pretty and staying strong through the healing process. A true track of faking it ‘till you make it, because soft is strong. The last track, “Tonight I Might,” is inspirational and about living life to the fullest by taking risks and seeing yourself as a  multi-dimensional human. Production from the piano to the hint of EDM feels in the built up chorus with claps, greatly accompanying the harmony of the girls’ voices in acapella.  

The concept of Katseye was one I had to hear for myself and with this first debut EP of SIS (Soft Is Strong), I enjoyed the combination of production with the sound of each member's voice coming together when highlighted in acapella. However, what I appreciate most about this group is their proud and vocal representations of their individual cultures as they truly pioneer to “transcend national, cultural,and artistic boundaries.” I’m curious and look forward to hearing more tracks. 

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