Every week after its launch, I’m feeling fairly ambivalent about Stray Children’ Maniac. Like many latest tracks, its plusses and minuses cancel one another out and lead to music that’s completely… advantageous. This detached impression carries by means of your complete mini album. The songs are usually okay, however there’s nothing pulling me again for repeat listens the best way previous albums have. Even so, Stray Children proceed their multi-song promotional push, releasing a music video for album opener Venom (거미줄).
With a couple of tweaks, Venom may have been an actual standout. I just like the glitchy beat and the horror present synths that sweep in to convey further pressure. The melodic pre-chorus can also be a standout, anchoring the observe and trying to arrange a satisfying repay. Sadly, Venom refuses to play good. Its hook pulls again, taking a minimalist method that feels fairly empty. This occurs typically all through the album and it’s regularly irritating. Moderately than ship a full meal, these songs really feel like appetizers for a feast that by no means comes.
Venom loses its focus as we careen into further rap verses and instrumental shifts. I’m not saying each music should observe a strict verse/refrain construction, however when you’re going to mess around with association, you higher ensure you’ve packed your music with standout moments. Venom’s black gap of a refrain makes this difficult. When the observe meanders, there’s no sense of anticipation as a result of you understand we’ll simply be returning to that boring drop as soon as once more. Informal listeners could be higher off looking for out the album’s two unit tracks.
| Hooks | 6 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
