NCT DREAM’s DREAM()SCAPE is next up for review. Released in March 2024, the mini-album features a total of six songs, including the title track Smoothie. In the lead-up to this comeback, the group released videos that made up the ‘()Scape Film‘ series, which I highly recommend you check out if you have not already. The storytelling and acting of the members were very riveting. It was a solid start to this era of NCT DREAM’s careers. More recently, NCT DREAM made a comeback in Japan with a single titled Moonlight, and an English single titled Rains in Heaven. The group is also on a world tour associated with last year’s ISTJ studio album and DREAM()SCAPE.

1. Icantfeelanything – Icantfeelanything is quite an opener. Can’t say it is the best from the top of my mind, but it would definitely be up there. The track is quite euphoric, with the dreamy start and vocals throughout the track being the main driver. The abrupt EDM switch-up and the pulsing beats give off a psychedelic feel that makes Icantfeelanything so unique. The title is realized, regardless of either side of the song. (10/10)

2. Smoothie (Title Track) – Click here for the full review of Smoothie. (8/10)

3. BOX – BOX’s best part is its chorus. There is something about the members coming together in BOX during the chorus, which feels smooth and blissful. The “Don’t put me in a BOX” is quite memorable. I also like how dramatic the synths get during the central piece. The rest of this R&B dance track featured hip-hop geared rapping from the rap line and alluring vocals. HAECHAN, CHENLE, and RENJUN’s vocals in the bridge were also another highlight in BOX. The etchy synth loop was quite characteristic, as well. (8.5/10)

4. Carat Cake – The Jersey Club mix in Carat Cake’s background makes this track bold and intriguing. The beat hits hard. Some are subtle and soft, while others are short sharp jabs that artistically contrast Carat Cake‘s softness. All of this created an alluring atmosphere that I still find myself become so captivated by. I really like the mix of vocals and rapping in Carat Cake. Some vocals were airy, while others were heavier and more textural through autotune. RENJUN’s part at the 1:15 mark is one of the best in the track which I would be glad to replay. The rapping was slighter than usual, but still punchy. The whispering also gives Carat Cake a lot of character. (10/10)   

5. UNKNOWN – UNKNOWN takes the mini-album down a few notches with this chill R&B track. Again, the song features atmospheric synths in the background, and the trap percussion feels like sprinkles over the top of the synths. What makes UNKNOWN good are the vocals and rapping. The vocals are so delicate and soft throughout UNKNOWN, while the rapping contrasts with the rest of the song by going in hard. I just wished the melodies were a little more memorable. (9/10)

6. Breathing (숨) – The final track on the mini-album is Breathing. It is more of a heart-warming and beautiful track compared to the other tracks before it. The vocals were lovely, as are the melodies and harmonies that NCT DREAM showcases in the song. The instrumentation follows the same vein as the above tracks – atmospheric. But there is a soothing and comforting element to the Breathing that sets it apart from the rest. (8/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.9/10