Is Everything 'Gnarly'?
Analyzing Anti-Consumerist Sentiments in Katseye's "Gnarly"by Arthur Gauthier B‘29published on November 17th, 2025
Analyzing Anti-Consumerist Sentiments in Katseye's "Gnarly"by Arthur Gauthier B‘29published on November 17th, 2025
By assigning seemingly random items the category of ‘gnarly’, the members of Katseye position themselves as anti-capitalist and anti-consumerist. The opening verse of “Gnarly” consists of items that qualify as ‘gnarly,’ including: boba tea, Tesla, fried chicken, partying in the Hollywood Hills, the song itself, and “that new beat.” The verse finishes with the line (that is repeated throughout the piece): “Everything’s gnarly.” In Katseye’s assertion that everything is gnarly, they argue that everything is a product and a thing for consumption. They include their own song into the list of trendy consumer products, placing themselves as both perpetrators of the issue and victims simultaneously. The subtext of Katseye’s argument is that one can never escape consumerism, even themselves.
Despite possibly being considered subtle, their argument is in no way accidental. In the following verse, Katseye alludes to their political intentions through the line “Oh, we’re in a session tonight (gang, gang).” Katseye conjures an image of the United States government, as Congress is “in session” when it is meeting to conduct official business. As such, their analysis of what is considered gnarly is as much of official business as whatever Congress does. Katseye compares itself to the US government in order to further the idea that they are, at least in part, guilty of producing and participating in the rampant consumerism plaguing American society. To Katseye, discussing what is gnarly is the same as whatever Congress spends its time doing. In the same way Congress profits off of doing stuff, Katseye profits off of advancing consumerism. Katseye understands the supposed silliness of “Gnarly” and uses that to critique the uselessness and failure of the capitalist American government.
In “Gnarly (Ice Spice Remix),” Katseye invites world-renowned artist and generational talent Ice Spice to add to the conversation of what “being gnarly” truly entails. Ms. Spice, in her infinite wisdom, adds that “I’m a baddie, I’m rockin’ Ed Hardy / I’m a baddie, I’m late to the party.” Ed Hardy clothes used to be popular, but have since fallen out of fashion. In the same way that Ms. Spice is “late to the party,” she is late to the trend of wearing Ed Hardy clothes. Ms. Spice is never directly described as gnarly in the way that Katseye describes itself. This creates an intense division between the two parties, something that they are aware of. Instead of being “gnarly,” Ms. Spice is a “baddie.” By wearing dated clothes and being “late,” Ms. Spice avoids much of the consumerism Katseye critiques. Ms. Spice is unconcerned with trends and timeliness. This is furthered in her statement that she “came in like [she’s] ‘03 LeBron.” Ms. Spice presents an ideal version of life, free from the overwhelming weight and speed of consumerism and gnarliness.
Katseye’s adoration of the past reveals that they are using the old and negative definition of gnarly rather than the new and positive one. In the third verse of the original track, Katseye states, “Don’t talk to me, you’re gnarly.” If Katseye used the positive meaning of gnarly, they would likely want to talk to the person they are speaking to in this line. However, because they do not want this person to talk to them, it is abundantly clear that Katseye considers this person gross and bad, fitting with the previous and negative definition of gnarly. Taking this with the fact that Katseye wanted to speak with Ms. Spice, who is a baddie, Katseye places baddies above gnarly people. Clearly, “Gnarly” implores Katseye’s millions of fans to become more baddie-like by refusing to participate in consumer trends. While the members of Katseye are stuck in a never-ending cycle of production and consumption, they encourage everyone who hears “Gnarly” to consider their position within the increasingly rapid trend cycle. To become a baddie, like Katseye desires, one must break free from the chains of consumerism and rise above the oppressive and gnarly shackles of capitalist American society.