KATSEYE didn’t just drop a music video with “Gnarly”—they unleashed a full-on experimental meltdown. Forget neat choreography or a linear storyline. Instead, we get a crazy mix of glitch edits, strobe lighting, TikTok-core aesthetics, and total visual chaos. It has all the ingredients of Internet chaos: overstimulated, hyper-stylized, and weirdly addictive.
Let’s break down the wildest song and music video by KATSEYE:
01. No singing, no harmonizing:
What’s Gnarly’s boldest twist? Nobody sings. That’s right—KATSEYE members don’t vocalize the track. Instead, they shout and recite lines with a whole lot of sass. This is the first ingredient for the song’s chaotic energy: instead of relying on hooks or melodies, the group opts for a messy sing-talk delivery.
02. The lyrics… and what does Gnarly even mean?:
This song is all about name-dropping: Boba tea, Teslas, and Takis—but not in a flexy way. These hyper-modern, hyper-consumed icons are used to satirize what’s considered “cool.” KATSEYE leans into irony, questioning pop culture’s obsession with clout and consumption. In this way, the song seems to be a digital-age critique that’s hard to catch. When it comes to the meaning behind “Gnarly,” let’s just say it’s open to interpretation! The word can have a ton of different connotations depending on the context.
Philosophia shares the meaning of GNARLY
Via KATSEYE Instagram #SOPHIA #KATSEYE pic.twitter.com/YEZUDmTPmh
— archive sophia (@sophiafeed) May 21, 2025
03. The fashion goes nuts:
Fashion-wise, the video is a maximalist fever dream. Outfits range from streetwear to futuristic couture, all clashing faster than our eyes can register. This chaotic styling speaks to KATSEYE’s core message: identity isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s glitchy and controversial. Their styling marked a bold twist, especially considering previous releases from the group such as “Debut” and “Touch.” Their looks were all about that girl-next-door aesthetic, but now this new “Gnarly” is offering all the over-the-top and sassy vibes.
pe na areia? gnarly
caipirinha? gnarly
água de coco? gnarly
cervejinha? gnarly
beira do mar? gnarly pic.twitter.com/iHPPIEBPiz— acervo katseye (@katseyeacervo) May 19, 2025
