Previous to their official debut in March of 2018, Stray Children launched an EP titled Mixtape, largely compiling the songs featured on their pre-debut actuality collection. Practically seven years later, they’re again with their first precise mixtape — although the definition of “mixtape” is fairly darn unfastened in terms of Ok-pop. The venture’s “single,” if you wish to name it that, releases alongside a giant price range music video and extra bombast than most acts obtain for full-fledged comebacks.
I’ve been off the Stray Children practice for awhile now regardless of loving their music prior to now, so I need to preface my ideas by giving Walkin On Water a giant praise. Whereas I’ve felt the group’s latest title tracks have begun to refurbish the identical previous tips from their previous work, Water feels genuinely recent. It’s nonetheless a really hip-hop ahead observe, however its old-fashioned breakbeats and playful percussion imbue it with a stronger funk spine than anticipated. Track construction and supply apart, the instrumental is downright fascinating in locations. There’s a lot occurring without delay, from rugged bass to shiny synth strains to resonant drums. It’s a sturdy combine, dramatic and theatrical but in some way unfastened and groovy on the similar time. This mix turns into extra fascinating the nearer you hear.
After all, this fascinating manufacturing makes me lengthy for an equally fascinating tune. With out its dynamic instrumental, Walkin On Water is satisfactory however too reliant on chants and predictable sing-song hooks. Lyrics are additionally a difficulty. Too many lame water references make it really feel just like the observe doesn’t have something substantive or new to say. And at slightly below two and a half minutes, there’s not sufficient time for Water to develop its many concepts. A number of glorious melodic prospers and builds would have gone a great distance towards making this absolutely the banger it might have simply been.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
Grade: C+