Stray Children have change into certainly one of a handful of teams defining the sound of Ok-pop’s fourth era. Early on, I used to be an enormous fan of their rap-meets-rock sound and its ensuing foray into EDM and trance. Since 2020, my curiosity of their music has change into extra hit or miss. The spark of creativity stays, however the massive choruses of District 9 and Miroh have largely been changed with truncated, catchphrasey hooks.
These adjectives excellent describe Case 143 – the group’s freewheeling return to a vivid idea. Like March’s Maniac, the monitor melds hip-hop verses to a rhythmic hook fueled by digital undertones. The distinction feels much less jarring right here, however I’m unsure it’s any extra profitable.
That is very a lot a private pet peeve (don’t kill me, followers…), however I’ve at all times had a tough time with content material that feels overly happy with its personal cleverness. This has change into a giant a part of Stray Children’ attraction (ie: their “concept financial institution”), however I discover it type of exhausting. My mind needs the music to breathe and develop and lean into its strengths. As a substitute, it appears like they’re always waving issues in my face. “Take a look at this!” “And this!” “Isn’t this cool?”
Stray Children are cool. There’s little question about that. And, Case 143 has some standout moments. However, it’s not till the previous couple of seconds when the tune actually comes collectively. The staccato nature of its refrain works properly as a response to a contrasting melody line. By itself, it turns into repetitive in a short time. Paired with the throw-everything-and-the-kitchen-sink percussion that underpins a lot of the verses, Case 143 is a prickly beast. I’m unsure it’s for me – even when that descending hook is already lodged in my reminiscence.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
