Katseye’s single “Pinky Up” divides fans over new sound
By Vanessa Lim
May 5, 2026
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Katseye_at_Wango_Tango_2025.jpg
Warmtoned, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Warmtoned, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Fans of Katseye, a popular girl group among Gen Z, are divided over the group’s latest musical direction following the release of their new single “Pinky Up,” with some praising the experimentation and others questioning the shift in sound.
The track marks a noticeable change from Katseye’s earlier releases, leaning into hyperpop and EDM influences rather than the vocal-driven style heard in songs like “Touch” and “Gameboy.” This change has sparked mixed reactions across the fanbase.
Kendi Gray, a sophomore linguistics major, said the song’s production stands out, but feels disconnected from the group’s identity. While she described the instrumental as “very well-produced,” she said that the overall track felt “out of place for a group like Katseye.” She added that the shift minimizes the group’s vocal strengths and lyrical depth.
“I personally prefer Katseye’s earlier music style,” Gray said. “Their newer songs feel more focused on choreography than on strong vocals or meaningful lyrics.”
Gray also voiced concerns beyond just the new song release, including the absence of group member Manon during promotions. She said the quick release of “Pinky Up” following Manon’s hiatus, a temporary break, “left a somewhat bitter taste.”
Savannah Shaddeau, a sophomore government and politics major, said she was initially surprised by the new sound, but was ultimately impressed and felt “Pinky Up” showcases their vocals well.
“It was so different from anything Katseye had put out up until this point, but I was still in awe of them,” Shaddeau said.
Shaddeau’s main critique of this new song was that she felt the group was trying to fit into trends of the time period instead of creating a distinct style and sound.
She said Katseye is leaning too much into music microtrends and worries that if the group continues to follow this path, their music will become bland.
“I loved when Katseye came out with ‘Gnarly’ because it was so campy and different, but it was also exactly what the music industry needed to shake things up,” said Shaddeau.
The differing reactions to “Pinky Up” highlight a broader tension which is common in the music industry: how artists balance experimentation while maintaining a signature sound. Both fans agreed that trying new styles is important, but they differed on whether “Pinky Up” successfully builds on Katseye’s identity or strays too far from it.
The fanbase’s response to “Pinky Up” highlights a divided fanbase and raises the question of whether the group will continue to evolve despite criticisms.
The track marks a noticeable change from Katseye’s earlier releases, leaning into hyperpop and EDM influences rather than the vocal-driven style heard in songs like “Touch” and “Gameboy.” This change has sparked mixed reactions across the fanbase.
Kendi Gray, a sophomore linguistics major, said the song’s production stands out, but feels disconnected from the group’s identity. While she described the instrumental as “very well-produced,” she said that the overall track felt “out of place for a group like Katseye.” She added that the shift minimizes the group’s vocal strengths and lyrical depth.
“I personally prefer Katseye’s earlier music style,” Gray said. “Their newer songs feel more focused on choreography than on strong vocals or meaningful lyrics.”
Gray also voiced concerns beyond just the new song release, including the absence of group member Manon during promotions. She said the quick release of “Pinky Up” following Manon’s hiatus, a temporary break, “left a somewhat bitter taste.”
Savannah Shaddeau, a sophomore government and politics major, said she was initially surprised by the new sound, but was ultimately impressed and felt “Pinky Up” showcases their vocals well.
“It was so different from anything Katseye had put out up until this point, but I was still in awe of them,” Shaddeau said.
Shaddeau’s main critique of this new song was that she felt the group was trying to fit into trends of the time period instead of creating a distinct style and sound.
She said Katseye is leaning too much into music microtrends and worries that if the group continues to follow this path, their music will become bland.
“I loved when Katseye came out with ‘Gnarly’ because it was so campy and different, but it was also exactly what the music industry needed to shake things up,” said Shaddeau.
The differing reactions to “Pinky Up” highlight a broader tension which is common in the music industry: how artists balance experimentation while maintaining a signature sound. Both fans agreed that trying new styles is important, but they differed on whether “Pinky Up” successfully builds on Katseye’s identity or strays too far from it.
The fanbase’s response to “Pinky Up” highlights a divided fanbase and raises the question of whether the group will continue to evolve despite criticisms.