SEOUL — NCT Dream, the K-pop boy band, is set to release a new album on Monday, designed to offer solace to young people facing disillusionment and criticism in their daily lives. At a press conference in a Seoul hotel, member Mark spoke about the group's fifth EP, "Dream()scape," highlighting its dedication to inspiring those who feel they lack a dream.
According to Yonhap News Agency, their latest work continues NCT Dream's tradition of instilling hope and dreams through their music, this time focusing on listeners who struggle to find their own aspirations. The album's unique title, "Dream()scape," symbolizes a retreat from reality, with the brackets suggesting an escape or a doorway into a new realm.
The EP consists of six tracks, with the lead single "Smoothie" embodying a groovy hip-hop dance vibe underscored by a strong 808 bass and a rhythmic snare pattern. The song represents the resilience of youth, using the metaphor of consuming a 'smoothie' to overcome negative judgments and self-doubt. Interestingly, the smoothie referenced in the music video is depicted as black, signifying the group's desire to confront and dispel adverse thoughts and perceptions.
Renjun, another member of the group, expressed the song's theme as an assertion of individuality and determination to ignore the negativity often encountered in daily life. The choice of "Smoothie" as the album's main track was discussed, with Haechan noting its suitability for performance and Mark praising its compelling chorus.
NCT Dream also announced their upcoming third world tour, "The Dream Show 3," starting in Seoul in May. The tour will extend across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Jaemin shared his excitement for the tour, reflecting on the growth of the group since their initial world tour and expressing eagerness to share their new material with fans globally.