NCT DREAM made a striking entrance into the music scene with their 2016 debut single “Chewing Gum,” and have since climbed the charts with smash hits like “Hot Sauce” and “Candy.” Now, the boy band takes a bold and darker turn with “Smoothie,” the leading track from their newly released EP, *Dream( )scape*. This song marks a departure from their previous work, aiming to offer fans a musical refuge from their fears and negativity.
NCT DREAM’s journey from their vibrant debut to their latest release reflects a significant evolution in their music and visual storytelling. According to group leader MARK, in a conversation with Billboard just days before the album’s release, the group has always radiated brightness and optimism. However, with *Dream( )scape*, they explore the concept of “bad dreams” as well, showcasing a different side of NCT DREAM that still remains true to their identity.
The EP, accompanied by a captivating five-part *( )SCAPE Film* on YouTube, represents NCT DREAM’s most experimental work to date. It acknowledges life’s hardships while delivering empowering and encouraging messages. MARK’s introspective opening in the track “icantfeelanything” sets the tone, followed by CHENLE’s soulful admission of feeling “lost and confused,” leading into a powerful breakbeat and a chorus of frustrated yells.
Tracks like “UNKNOWN” and “BOX” tackle themes of anxiety and the desire for freedom, respectively, with the group encouraging listeners to chase their dreams and break free from constraints. “Smoothie,” the EP’s standout single, cleverly uses food imagery to convey a message of healing and support, inviting fans to share their worries with NCT DREAM so they can help blend them into something positive.
*DREAM( )scape*, or “Dream Escape,” as the group emphasizes, is a tightly crafted six-track EP that offers listeners an uplifting escape and a closer look at a group that has matured from teenagers into thoughtful young adults. The EP’s themes resonate globally, setting the stage for NCT DREAM’s *Dream Show 3: Dream( )scape* world tour, which will take them to Latin America, the U.S., and Europe later this year.
In creating *Dream( )scape*, NCT DREAM delved deep into their personal experiences and artistic growth. The group’s involvement in the album’s creation process allowed them to infuse it with their unique identities and messages they wish to share with their fans. From exploring the concept of bravery to confronting internal struggles and societal expectations, the album serves as a testament to NCT DREAM’s evolution as artists and individuals.
As NCT DREAM prepares to bring *Dream( )scape* to stages around the world, they continue to engage with their fans through their music and performances. The group’s dedication to their craft and their desire to connect with fans on a deeper level are evident in every aspect of their latest project. With *Dream( )scape*, NCT DREAM invites listeners to join them on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, proving once again why they are one of the most compelling acts in the global music scene.