On March 25, NCT DREAM made their anticipated comeback with their 5th mini-album, 'DREAM( )SCAPE.'

'DREAM( )SCAPE' comprises six songs, including the title track “Smoothie.” This latest album shares an adventure NCT DREAM embarks on to escape from the harsh reality to chase after a dream. A broad range of emotions they encountered along this journey has been translated into music, and ultimately, the album seeks to relate with today’s youth through a message of hope, empathy, and courage.

"We aim to convey a message to those who feel like they don't have a dream," said the members during the media conference. They also hope that the listeners read the title as "dream escape," not "dream scape."

This release offers a chance to see the group that has reached a new level of maturity. Striving to forge a deeper connection with youth through a refined sound and innovative style that haven’t been revealed before, all seven members actively participated in the album’s creation, from initial concept ideation to the final production.

The title track, “Smoothie,” is a groovy hip-hop dance song with an infectious 808 bass line and snare drum rhythms, complemented by catchy chants. A confluence of dynamic flow and minimal chorus creates an addictive sound, and as one can glean from the core message of the song – that they will blend and drink up all the negativity and criticism like a smoothie – the group’s confidence and sense of ease shine through in the song.

Other tracks from the album include “icantfeelanything,” which paints the fear they feel when escaping from reality to capture their dream; “BOX” which expresses the group’s wish to break out of the societal mold; a sense of wonder and curiosity when faced with a new world is expressed in “Carat Cake”; “UNKNOWN” shares the group’s aspiration to overcome fear and difficulties in order to dive into an unknown once again; and “Breathing,” a song dedicated to those who inspire courage and hopes during challenging times.

Junghee Chae, Production Director at Neo Production, said, “Growth, change, and empathy towards the youth are the key words defining this new album. As the group that has come to be known for its bright and hopeful music, NCT DREAM has also been experiencing immense growth and change. Using this as a bridging point, the album focused on exploring the feelings that youth of our days often experience such as pain, sadness and suffering and translate them into music. People will be able to get a full grasp at the grand narrative threading the album and the sincerity behind it by checking out all the album, promotional content and music video.” 

She added, “All of the members were heavily involved throughout the album production process, from initial ideation to final production, in order to weave in their own personal stories. If 'DREAM( )SCAPE' is about capturing the journey of the youth and all the challenges and growing pains that they experience as they seek to escape the reality to reach utopia, the story after that will pan out in the next album, so stay tuned.”

Byungjun Kang, Production Director, said, “Beginning with this album, NCT DREAM will officially kick-off their promo activities for 2024. NCT DREAM is embarking on their third world tour which will begin in Seoul in May and cover North America, Europe and Asia. The group is planning on putting on a bigger tour befitting their increased global fandom. Besides the tour, NCT DREAM has a lot promotional activities planned as well – there’s a lot in store for everyone.”

[Photos courtesy of SM Entertainment]