Stray Kids are back with a brand new EP featuring eight tracks. Sales reports revealed that MAXIDENT grossed over 2.24 million in physical pre-orders, landing among the top three in pre-order sales for a Korean album. This is roughly a 72% increase from the release of ODDINARY in March of this year. The fourth-gen group from JYP Entertainment is more in demand than ever before. The success is undoubtedly earned as Stray Kids continues to produce music through their grueling tour schedule, COVID-19 setbacks, awards show performances, and numerous public appearances. The members even teased a mashup of the three unit songs from MAXIDENT during a special encore concert experience in Seoul on September 17 and 18. Despite scheduling overlaps with IU, ENHYPEN, HIPHOPPLAYA, and Listen Again Festival, Stray Kids managed to sell out two dates at KSPO Dome which boasts a capacity of 15,000 people. Having attended night one, I can confirm that the anticipation was palpable and the cheers were deafening. The wait is finally over; MAXIDENT is available now on all streaming platforms. 

“CASE 143”

Stray Kids starts off with a bang in the title-track, “CASE 143.” Hip-hop combines with electronic beats to create an energizing opening number. The chorus is staccato, bringing in a slightly robotic feel that aligns well with the code-centered lyrics. In text code, 143 means “I love you.” I is one letter, love is four, and you is three. In “CASE 143,” Stray Kids describe a confusing and all-consuming emotion that can be boiled down to eight simple letters: “143 I love you.”

“식혀 (CHILL)”

Stray Kids cools things down with the second track from the EP. “CHILL” maintains a softer vibe in comparison to the hard-hitting title-track, but the beat picks up to create a bright chorus. The lyrics speak of a relationship that is on the brink of falling apart. Instead of feeling regretful for the inevitable end, “CHILL” describes a sense of relief. It’s about the weight being lifted off your shoulders when you’re finally set free from a relationship that has been holding you back. Whether or not you can relate to the brutally honest lyrics, listening to “CHILL” will help you set any worries aside and relax with the members of Stray Kids.

“Give Me Your TMI”

TMI is a common acronym for “too much information.” It’s become a popular topic in K-Pop interviews and live streams, with fans constantly asking idols for their TMI of the day. The responses are typically cute, and it is rare that they actually cross the boundary of too much information. Stray Kids uses “Give Me Your TMI” as a sweet way to describe the sometimes obsessive feeling of wanting to know everything about another person. They sing about the overwhelming emotions of developing a crush and the curiosity that grows with each new fact you learn about them. Check out this track to get your Stray Kids TMI of the day.

“SUPER BOARD”

“SUPER BOARD” leads in with a strong beat. It’s lighthearted and fun, but still manages to deliver an uplifting message. The song was written by 3RACHA and is littered with popular Korean idioms and metaphors throughout the verses. One repeated idiom is, “the dog that chases the chicken stares up at the roof.” It’s used to describe an impossible situation, because if a chicken was being chased by a dog and flew onto a roof, the dog wouldn’t be able to catch it. Stray Kids uses the idiom here to reference their success, stating, “if you chase me, it’s in vain.”

“3RACHA”

3RACHA is back and better than ever. Stray Kids has three individual units among their eight members. 3RACHA consists of Changbin, Han, and Bang Chan. As three of the best fourth-gen rappers in K-Pop, the trio has earned the right to brag a little. In his opening rap verse, Changbin does just that. He reminisces about the group’s formation five years ago and the hard work they put in to climb their way to the top. He recognizes the fine line between conceit and confidence, hinting that the key distinction between the two is whether or not you have the proof to back it. Changbin takes pride in the fact that he is finally able to cross that line. Unlike the early days where gratification came from the quantity of music they produced, Stray Kids can now find satisfaction in winning with “both quantity and quality.”

Han takes to the mic next, also giving a shoutout to their rookie days. He mentions the back and forth fight it took to climb the charts as Stray Kids worked to establish themselves as leaders of fourth-gen K-Pop. Fans know Han as a talented rapper, dancer, and singer, making him an all-around ace. He’s ready to show the world his skills with STAY by his side to cheer him on. There’s no end in sight for Han Jisung as it seems his “inspiration never decreases.”

Bang Chan has never been more Australian than in this moment. If you’re a fan of accents, the way Chan chews his vowels in verse three will be music to your ears. Delivering his rap fully in English, Chan dedicates his lyrics to his band of brothers. He also makes it clear that Stray Kids’ journey is far from over with the line, “Our copyrighted numbers won’t be ever stoppin’.” It’s a subtle flex that the leader has more than earned. Bang Chan recently became the youngest artist to break into KOMCA’s Top 10 with a total of 138 credits under his name.

“TASTE”

“TASTE” is reminiscent of “Red Lights” from Stray Kids’ 2021 album NOEASY, which is why it came as no surprise to hear that Hyunjin actually wrote DanceRacha’s unit song with “Red Lights” in mind. DanceRacha is a sub-unit consisting of Hyunjin, Lee Know, and Felix. The beat is both hypnotic and seductive, with lyrics to match. DanceRacha uses a rose and its thorns as a metaphor to describe a dangerous yet addicting love. They teased a portion of “TASTE” during Stray Kids’ encore concerts in Seoul, and the performance was downright sinful. With more concerts scheduled for 2022 and 2023, fans can anticipate a probable full-length rendition from the dance trio.

“나 너 좋아하나봐 (Can’t Stop)”

While the English title of the next track is “Can’t Stop,” the Korean title is actually “나 너 좋아하나봐'' which translates to “I think I like you.” The playful, upbeat vibe is a sharp contrast from the previous units. However, it’s perfectly suited for Seungmin and I.N., who make up Stray Kids’ VocalRACHA sub-unit. The duo sings about falling in love in this sweet mix of pop and rock. The lyrics combined with VocalRACHA’s talents will have you feeling butterflies and kicking your feet. Their first live performance of the song drew the loudest screams I have ever heard in my life. With one listen to “Can’t Stop,” you truly won’t be able to stop yourself from falling in love with the vocal unit’s unique charms.

“CIRCUS (Korean Ver.)”

“CIRCUS” was originally released as the title track of Stray Kids’ second Japanese mini-album. The Korean version makes for a suitable final track as it maintains that slight feeling of chaos while simultaneously showing off the group’s wide range of talents. Stray Kids states that “the show must go on” in this fun mix of pop and hip-hop with a classic circus-themed interlude. If you’ve had the Japanese version of “CIRCUS” on repeat since its release in June, the Korean rendition may sound strange at first. Whichever version you prefer, the final track from MAXIDENT is bound to leave you “feeling good.”

Stray Kids’ record-breaking seventh EP, MAXIDENT, is available now on all streaming platforms.

Edited by Cara Musashi