NCT WISH is back this week with their new single and mini-album, I SPY. It is their first release since Ode To Love (and the studio album of the same name) from earlier this year.

I ended the song portion of my Ode To Love review with the comment that I prefer NCT WISH’s youthful, energetic tracks. Well, it seems NCT WISH and their producers listened somewhat. There is a bit more to I SPY than just that. The melodies in I SPY still carry some of that pleasantness from their former song. The I SPY references tap into that youthful energy, though the game referenced does bring a childish feel. But the producers and NCT WISH did a good job of not venturing too far down that path. Instead, they turn it into an edgy element, which came to full realisation in I SPY’s final moments. I quite liked it, though I wish it had been more pronounced earlier on. I also like the combination of the vocalisation and the edgy “I spy I spy I spy, with my little eye” in the bridge. On the flip side, I have to put the instrumental and delivery down as the weaker aspects of I SPY. The dance-pop instrumental was pretty ordinary, and while the vocals and rapping had a refreshing tone, most of the delivery (aside from the edgy “I spy I spy I spy, with my little eye” part) just didn’t have the energy we know the group can bring.

The song captures the excitement of being attracted to someone and wanting to grow closer. The use of the I SPY references is a way of noticing and showing curiosity toward that person. One thing I noticed about the music video, and thought was a clever way to portray this attraction, was the close-ups, in particular the ‘look at me’ moments during the choreography shots. It fits the concept well. The view from inside the PC was also a neat shot, though less unique. Elsewhere in the video, there were some really cool Y2K and glitchy post-production effects.

NCT WISH does a great job with their synchronisation and sharp movements on stage. The performance looks great, with my favourite choreography moments being at the opening of the final chorus and the edgy final moments.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8.3/10