One of the group releasing new music at the end of the week (i.e., today) is NCT 127, who makes their second comeback of the year, following on from Ay-Yo in January 2023. This time, the group returns with their 5th studio album, Fact Check, and is lead the title track of the same name. This comeback also follows from NCT 127’s participation in NCT’s 4th full group studio album Golden Age which was released back in August of this year.

If I am basing Fact Check on my past experience with NCT 127 title tracks from the first release of an album, I am going to be disappointed by it. I much prefer the title track of the repackaged version one of their albums, which I have no clue is happening this time around. However, interestingly, I am not disappointed by Fact Check. I actually find the instrumentation to be quite rhythmic, especially during the chorus with the well-paced beat and percussive elements. And there is no obnoxious synth (looking at you, Sticker) to ruin the song for me. The post-chorus segment was also quite an entrancing listen, especially at the end of Fact Check. Elsewhere, I liked the suspense and tension created during the vocal-centric pre-choruses of Fact Check and its background. The vocal work in Fact Check‘s bridge was a standout moment and I liked the powerfulness it yielded from Doyoung, Jaehyun, Taeil and Haechan. The rapping that follows from Mark and Taeyong, along with the further dramatic drumming and orchestration, was quite cool, as well. There are still weak points to Fact Check. The rapping at the start of the song could have been a little less in your face and the chorus’ hook could have been more compelling (even though I do find it catchy). But overall, Fact Check is one of their better works in recent times.

Cool is the recurring word I would use to describe this music video. I am not a big fan of the initial look that Mark donned in the video. But elsewhere in the video, Mark and the other members all looked fine. My favourite set of outfits has to be the one that are more of a traditional colour that are worn at the traditional palace location. Talking about locations, I found the sets and locations throughout the video are all very stylish and cool in their own way. Even the post-production looks cool (but I question why it looks like Mark is holding a goat that has been CGI into the video – did they run out of budget for a real goat?).

From what I can see from the choreography aspect of this comeback is that it very much embraces the rhythmic aspect of the song. There is also a subtle bounce to the choreography, which keeps in line with the upbeatness of the track. The best bit, for me, however is the t-rex-like walk (sorry, I don’t know if there is a properly name for the walk, but the way their arms are reminds me of a t-rex’s short arms) during the final post-chorus.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8.5/10
Overall Rating – 8.4/10