Metamorphic (album)
Metamorphic is the first studio album by South Korean girl group STAYC. It was released by High Up Entertainment on July 1, 2024, and contains 14 tracks, including the lead single "Cheeky Icy Thang".
Background and release
On June 3, 2024, High Up Entertainment announced that STAYC would be releasing their first studio album titled Metamorphic on July 1. Eight days later, the trailer film was released. On June 16, the track listing was released with "Cheeky Icy Thang" announced as the lead single. On June 23, the first music video teaser for "Cheeky Icy Thang" was released. The highlight medley teaser videos was released on June 24 and 25. The album was released alongside the music video for "Cheeky Icy Thang" on July 1.
Promotion
Prior to the release of Metamorphic, on July 1, 2024, STAYC held a live event aimed at introducing the album and connecting with their fanbase. Additionally, to commemorate the release of the album, they opened a pop-up store event in Seoul, South Korea, running from June 28 to July 21.
Critical reception
Metamorphic received mixed-to-positive reviews from the music critics. Gladys Yeo of NME praised the album for showing the girl group's musical range, writing that STAYC "pushed themselves to their limits, exploring a myriad of new soundscapes and subject matter." Han Sung-hyun, in a mixed review writing for IZM, described it as a "passive collection of attempts that lack the symbolism of a first full-length album."