Gnarly

KATSEYE's "Gnarly" hit streaming platforms on April 30, 2025, as the lead single from their second EP, Beautiful Chaos. The track marks a sharp turn toward hyperpop, a genre defined by its exaggerated, sugary-sweet melodies and glitchy, maximalist production. Written by a team including Alice Longyu Gao and Madison Love, with production by Buckley, "Hitman" Bang, and Slow Rabbit, the song leans into chaotic energy and playful aggression. The word "gnarly" itself means something revolting or disgusting, and the track embraces that ugliness with deliberately jarring sound effects and earrape-style audio elements, creating a confrontational aesthetic that Teen Vogue called "a frontrunner for most polarizing pop song of 2025."

The release came after a period of intense fan anticipation, and the initial reaction was split. Some fans embraced the bold new direction, while others were taken aback by the sonic departure from the group's earlier work. Reddit discussions noted that the song is "horrific ON PURPOSE," with intense EDM beats and abrasive vocal delivery. Despite the mixed early reception, "Gnarly" proved its staying power by charting in the top ten in New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia. It also became KATSEYE's first entry on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK singles chart, marking a significant milestone for the group. The EP itself, Beautiful Chaos, continues the theme of embracing imperfection and raw emotion, with "Gnarly" serving as its unapologetic centerpiece. [edit]