NCT’s many members are slowly starting to embark upon solo careers, each with their own musical focus. Yuta has been with the group since the very beginning, debuting in 2016 as part of NCT 127. Since then, he’s felt like one of the more underutilized talents. Regardless of my thoughts on the song itself, I’m happy to see him finally get a spotlight of his own.
Unlike other NCT members, Yuta’s solo work has a strong rock edge. Off The Mask could easily be mistaken for a new track by popular J-rock acts ONE OK ROCK or Miyavi, leaving all traces of NCT behind. Refreshingly, he dives straight into the genre, guttural screams and all. I’m not sure what I was expecting from him, but this definitely took my off guard. It’s been awhile since an idol’s solo release has done that.
Taking the Yuta and the NCT connection out of it, Off The Mask is a pretty standard hard rocker. This genre has lost centrality in most music markets but still rides high in Japan, making it less distinct if you’re a regular J-rock listener. However, the song’s chorus hits hard and Yuta sounds incredible — like an artist finally freed from shackles. Add a healthy dose of shredding guitar and you’ve got a burst of energy that’s difficult to resist. The song won’t be for everyone, but it’s so nice to hear him follow his passion.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I always had this feeling that Yuta would suit rock songs. And I was right. I liked it, a little muted-ish, like, not too maximalistic, but not minimalistic either, just there in the middle. But glad he’s able to explore his potential.
8.25 (8, 8, 8, 9) for me.
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I honestly love it!!
It feats him particularly.
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I don’t like screamers but I did enjoy his voice during those parts
8.5/10 for me (9, 8, 9, 8)
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Off-topic, but Nick, I was wondering if you’d seen/heard the title song for the new survival show Project 7?
This is relevant to you because ex-The Wind member Shin Jaewon is participating! It’s great to see him again.
Anyway, I was surprised by how much I liked the song. It’s kind of like if a standard survival show song was a little more like a normal catchy upbeat boy group song. It’s fun.
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I have! I like the song a lot and plan to give the show a shot since Jaewon is participating and deserves to be promoting again.
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“What am I listening to?” That was my first reaction. By the end of it I thought, “I think I like it”.
I can’t say I know much about Yuta, except he is an NCT member from Japan, but I was pleasantly surprised by this choice. Part of it might be nostalgia because it reminded me of those My Chemical Romance/Greenday days, and even though the screaming parts might be too much for me, for now it’s on my playlist. Only time will tell if it stays there. I’m going to say 8.5
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I dislike 99.9% of pop-punk past the Descendants, emo past Rites of Spring, &power metal, period. Yet Yuta has all these elements in his song and it’s great. The power of songwriting and truly not giving a shit what anyone thinks works here.
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This is right up my alley 9/10
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The video was excellent for me; the song is great but less my cup of tea even though I do like harder rock. The bsides, however… I don’t think there’s a single one I’d skip. Bad Euphoria and Prisoner are the standouts for me; Bad Euphoria is so ebullient and Prisoner reminds me of bands I’d listen to growing up in the best kind of way.
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This song is great! I need more of this from Yuta.
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I really liked the song! This is just the type of solo music I wanted from Yuta, very true to himself and his personal taste. Great debut.
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It does sound Miyavi-esque!
I like it, it doesn’t do much new, but a solid J-rock entry is always cool, and it has a slightly polished K-pop touch there in parts that makes it a bit different. Always glad to see new genres make their way into the industry. Hopefully this will open the door for others to go harder on rock without fear!
I would say even more than the song, the fact that he seems to truly fit it is what makes it stand out. It feels like a passion project!
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Like everyone said, I really think this genre and aesthetic really suits Yuta, and even people who aren’t familiar with him can kind of see that. Of course, those who have followed NCT for a long time have probably sensed that Yuta’s personal style of music is quite different from NCT, and I don’t think he’s tried to hide this at all over the years. His personal sense of fashion, his jewelry, his nails, he definitely has a penchant for J-rock. It’s so lovely to see an artist jump straight into a completely different genre, but one that they are obviously already very comfortable in and have spent a lot of time personally exploring. I think this suits Yuta like a glove.
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