NCT 127 – ‘Blingy’ review: down a few members but definitely not out

NCT 127 have experienced substantial changes since their last album, 2024’s ‘Walk’. Originally a group of nine, the boyband are now down to just five. Some are gone for good – disgraced former member Taeil was cut from the group in 2024 following a sexual assault case, while core member Mark Lee left earlier this year – while others are away temporarily (Doyoung and Jungwoo are fulfilling their military service). Despite running at reduced strength, the remaining NCT 127 members – Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun and Haechan – are showing that they’re down but not out. READ MORE: Madra Salach are remoulding traditional Irish folk to their own blistering tune Where past records leaned into R&B, the boyband step decisively toward hip-hop on ‘Blingy’. ‘Piñata’, a buzzy cocktail of rock and hip-hop is brimming with the energy of a band with something to prove – it’s all snarl and swagger through electric guitar riffs and breakbeat drums. A frenetic blend of dubstep with distorted synths, hard-hitting drums and chanted hooks, title track ‘Blingy’ is a feisty showcase that NCT 127 understand the larger-than-life world they’ve created and how to build upon it. This album’s experiments y...