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 sequence. Practically seven years later, they’re again with their first precise mixtape — although the definition of “mixtape” is fairly darn unfastened relating to Okay-pop. The venture’s “single,” if you wish to name it that, releases alongside a giant finances music video and extra bombast than most acts obtain for full-fledged comebacks.

I’ve been off the Stray Children prepare for awhile now regardless of loving their music up to now, so I need to preface my ideas by giving Walkin On Water a giant praise. Whereas I’ve felt the group’s current title tracks have begun to refurbish the identical outdated tips from their previous work, Water feels genuinely recent. It’s nonetheless a really hip-hop ahead observe, however its old skool 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 happening directly, from rugged bass to vibrant synth traces to resonant drums. It’s a strong 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 attention-grabbing manufacturing makes me lengthy for an equally attention-grabbing 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 problem. Too many lame water references make it really feel just like the observe doesn’t have something substantive or new to say. And at just below two and a half minutes, there’s not sufficient time for Water to develop its many concepts. Just a few glorious melodic prospers and builds would have gone a good distance towards making this absolutely the banger it may have simply been.

Grade: C+