I don’t all the time write about Stray Youngsters’ follow-up singles as a result of they have an inclination to launch so many music movies for songs that in any other case go un-promoted. Nevertheless, that is very sluggish interval for Okay-pop because of the Paris Olympics pre-empting music exhibits, so I would as properly make an exception for Mountains.

Mountains opens the group’s latest album and reignites sounds they haven’t touched in awhile. The track delivers an anthemic stomp, inviting listeners to clap together with thundering percussion and distorted manufacturing. This power hearkens again to the rock-influenced power of their debut however struggles to seek out an equally commanding hook. On first pay attention, the “mountains, mountains” refrain feels somewhat foolish and slight, however I discover it extra gratifying because the track goes on. A extra melodic strategy would higher distinction the rap-heavy verses, however the supply is assured sufficient to work and a powerful post-chorus provides a welcome sense of heft.

Greater than something, Mountains‘ immense instrumental carries the track. It’s a bit We Will Rock You combined with Think about Dragons, however not as annoying as that description suggests. Stray Youngsters excel when going massive, and Mountains feels tailor made for stadium performances.

Grade: B