Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N, collectively known as JYP Entertainment‘s Stray Kids, are back for their 9th Korean-language EP (fourteenth overall) with ‘Ate’. Consisting of 8 tracks which includes a remix, ‘Chk Chk Boom’ is the hero lead track of Stray Kids’ latest comeback but in all honesty, each one of these songs could’ve easily been a single. They’re that good.
Kicking off with ‘Mountains’, the song written by 3Racha (Bang Chan, Changbin and Han) speaks of strength, triumph and resilience. It feels empowering, it sounds like an anthem and I can only imagine how amazing it would sound performed live in concert with everyone in the audience singing “Woah!” out loud and waving their hands in the air, just like its lyrics encourage.
Lead single ‘Chk Chk Boom’, also written by 3Racha, is vibrant, dance inspired, and is pure Latin infused K-Pop goodness. Admittedly, I don’t often enjoy Latin infused K-Pop tunes because many aren’t done well composition wise and feel disjointed.
However, this isn’t the case with Stray Kids’ ‘Chk Chk Boom’. In fact, Stray Kids have mastered taking on this tricky music genre while maintaining their identity and signature sound. The song also has a very catchy hook and lyric. I mean, just try resist singing along to the line, “VAMOS, I know that you want it!”. The final song on the EP also consists of a ‘Festival Version’ of ‘Chk Chk Boom’. You would think it’s a remix, but nope, 3Racha mixed it themselves and it works, effortlessly providing perfect party vibes you never knew you needed!
If the music wasn’t enough to entice you, the music video features Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as their superhero personas Deadpool and Wolverine. Brilliantly and perfectly timed with the release of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, their cameos are gold! Who would have thought this was all derived from Felix wearing a Deadpool costume during an episode of Kingdom: Legendary War.
‘JJAM’ is fast, fierce and rap heavy in the best kind of way. Written by Bang Chan and Changbin, this track is colourful, fun and is an aesthetically pleasing and euphoric audible rollercoaster for the ears.
‘I Like It’ written by Bang Chan, Changbin, Han and JBach is a playful song about loving the place in between friendship and love. That’s right, the song is about enjoying the untitled relationship otherwise known as a ‘situationship’. It is quite possibly the cutest f-boy song I’ve ever heard. The catchy falsetto chorus is also so good, you can’t help but adore this song.
‘Runners’ is a song that upon first listen, was by far a standout on the EP. Written by Bang Chan and Felix, the song is completely in English yet maintains its Asian origins and Stray Kids signature sounds, along with a hook that is irresistible. With messages of determination, hard work, and continuing to chase your dreams, ‘Running’ is a top tier track, even just for the “Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom“ part that gives me chills every time I listen to it in stereo.
‘twilight’ is the slow track of the record, written by Han. It feels very chill, mellow, and jazz inspired. Its lyrics speak of longing, and the ballad and piano vibes suit. It’s just a very heartfelt and delicate number. I really love Han’s songwriting.
By far my favourite of the record, Stray Kids surprised fans with a song titled after them. ‘Stray Kids’ is the most beautiful song and is quite possibly my favourite Stray Kids song ever. It feels like a fan song, an anthem, an acknowledgement of their journey thus far, a promise for the future, and yet somehow it also feels bitter-sweet. If the group didn’t recontract with JYP Entertainment recently, I daresay this would’ve been the ideal farewell song, the perfect love letter to their legacy. The lyrics in ‘Stray Kids’ even makes nods to songs from the past including the gorgeous ‘Lonely St.’ and the iconic ‘Hellevator’. If I hear this song live on tour, you bet I’ll be in tears.
Overall, ‘Ate’ is one of Stray Kids’ best comebacks yet, if not the best comeback of theirs thus far. Each time this talented K-Pop group create new music, I’m blown away by what they dish out, delivering impressive tunes each time. ‘Ate’ will be hard act to follow but if anyone can top this, it’s Stray Kids themselves. These songs already sound great on record, I can only imagine how phenomenal they’d be when performed live.
Stray Kids’ EP ‘Ate’ is out now physically and digitally on streaming services everywhere.
Stray Kids will also be touring Australia later this year in October as part of their WORLD TOUR <DOMINATE>, proudly presented by Live Nation Australia and JYP Entertainment, performing in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday October 19 and at Allianz Stadium on Saturday October 26th in Sydney.
Live Nation Presale starts tomorrow!
Melbourne pre-sale begins Tuesday the 30th July from 1PM to11:59PM, with general sale on Wednesday the 31st July from 1PM.
For Sydney, Live Nation Presale is from Tue 30th of July 2PM to 11:59PM, with general sale on Wednesday the 31st July at 2PM.
For more information on Stray Kids and ticketing, please visit:
https://www.livenation.com.au/artist-stray-kids-1182958
https://straykids.jype.com
https://www.instagram.com/realstraykids
