Stray Kids Rock Out on New EP “Rock-Star”
Stray Kids also recognized as SKZ, is a K-Pop boy group consisting of eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Formed on a JYP Entertainment reality show in 2017, they debuted on March 25, 2018, operating through three subgroups: 3Racha, DanceRacha, and VocalRacha.
Their recent release is the 3rd full-length album, "5-Star," accompanied by the Japanese EP “Social Path / Super Bowl - Japanese Ver.” and EP “Rock-Star.”
MEGAVERSE: The opening track, "Megaverse," conveys the message of the group's self-sufficiency with lyrics, “Speechless worthless I don't need your kindness,” expressing their independence and creative prowess. The song incorporates Hulk’s trademark slogan Smash, coming in both the beginning and their dance break: “First, second, third, fourth wall, We're breakin' them all, unbeatable score, Our composition brings the competition, But we've already won in this megaverse.”
LALALALA: The title track, "LALALALA," debuted at #90 on the Hot 100, marking Stray Kids as the second K-Pop act to achieve this. The constant piano instrumental adds a unique touch, and fans like myself, are pleased it was chosen as the title track.
BLIND SPOT: A snippet of this song appears in Stray Kids’ musical drama project SKZFLIX: “They only look at the results and success, Blinded by our glowing process.” This verse addresses society's focus on immediate success and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the journey.
The pre-chorus, “Shine bright and prove them wrong, 'Cause we can feel our progress,” symbolizes the hard work the group has dedicated to creating their songs.
Overall, Blind Spot is a fun song full of pop beats and talks about how honing your skills can help you to succeed and shine in the future.
COMFLEX: Lyrics such as “Embracing all my scars and imperfections” and “Different? No, I’m unique.” highlight the band’s principles. Stray Kids do not care about how the public and others perceive them because they like how they see themselves, scars and all. Their achievements and hard work speak for themselves. The title, a blend of complex and flex, aligns with their complex journey and authentic achievements.
Cover Me: First heard in SKZFLIX, the uplifting track is full of high notes. Expressing a wish for someone to be around when one is going to sleep, the high notes and vocal runs create an impression.
Leave: Premiered in SKZFLIX, "Leave" explores the end of a relationship, emphasizing the importance of parting ways to prevent lasting emotional scars. The chorus contains a persistent guitar and consistent repetition of the lyric, “Yeah we’re done.” The classic breakup line conveys the decision to end things despite lingering care.
Social Path (Feat. LiSA) Korean Ver.: This Korean version of the Japanese single narrates Bang Chan's seven-year trainee experience, blending Korean rap and English singing to depict his journey to success.
Half in Korean and half in English, the language differences represent Bang Chan's split between growing up in Australia and returning to Korea. The song describes what Bang Chan went through to get to where he and Stray Kids are now.
LALALALA (Rock Ver.): This is the title track of the EP, with a rockier twist than the original version. Multiple guitar solos throughout the song are reminiscent of Guitar Hero.
Despite their complex new album, Stray Kids have limited activities for the rest of 2023, including the "2 Kids Show," SBS Gayo Dajeon performance on December 25, and participation in the 74th annual NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in Japan. Each song on the EP showcases the group's versatility and commitment to authenticity, making me eager to hear more from Stray Kids in the future.