KATSEYE’s third EP, “WILD,” dropped Friday via HYBE x Geffen Records, marking the latest chapter in the group’s evolution since their 2023 debut. According to the group’s agency, the five-track project explores themes of embracing intuition, emotion, and individuality, breaking free from expectations and societal norms, a clear thematic shift from the brighter, more polished tone of earlier singles like “Debut” and “Pinky Up.”
A Different Sound
Leading the EP is “Hootie Frutti,” a high-energy dance track built around Brazilian phonk-inspired percussion and punchy drum production, a notably different sonic direction than anything the group has released before. Daniela opens the track with a Portuguese line, and the accompanying choreography has already been described by Daniela herself as “stamina-killing” during a Tonight Show appearance.
(MY TAKE)
This was definitely a left turn for KATSEYE, especially considering where they started. But honestly? The execution was pretty cool. The vibes were there.
With Manon still on hiatus, she’s absent from the EP’s vocals entirely, making WILD the clearest evidence yet of how the group’s ongoing lineup uncertainty is shaping their actual music, not just their live shows and promo schedule.
(MY TAKE)
It’s honestly pretty sad knowing she’s not on this one, because she would’ve eaten these concepts up. But I’m glad she’s taking the break she needs. That matters more than a tracklist.
The Britney Influence
Daniela also confirmed the “Hootie Frutti” music video draws direct inspiration from Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U,” signaling a more overtly bold, sexualized visual direction than the group’s earlier eras.
(MY TAKE)
The Britney homage was pretty cool too, very 2000s baddie energy.
Where This Leaves KATSEYE
WILD arrives during arguably the most chaotic stretch of KATSEYE’s short career, sandwiched between Manon’s ongoing hiatus, Sophia’s newly announced mental health break, and a rocky four-member Tonight Show debut that drew its own backlash.
