Track Assessment: Stray Youngsters – Walkin On Water

Previous to their official debut in March of 2018, Stray Youngsters launched an EP titled Mixtape, largely compiling the songs featured on their pre-debut actuality collection. Almost seven years later, they’re again with their first precise mixtape — although the definition of “mixtape” is fairly darn free relating to Okay-pop. The venture’s “single,” if you wish to name it that, releases alongside a giant funds music video and extra bombast than most acts obtain for full-fledged comebacks.

I’ve been off the Stray Youngsters practice for awhile now regardless of loving their music up to now, so I wish to preface my ideas by giving Walkin On Water a giant praise. Whereas I’ve felt the group’s latest title tracks have begun to refurbish the identical previous methods from their previous work, Water feels genuinely contemporary. It’s nonetheless a really hip-hop ahead observe, however its old fashioned 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 without delay, from rugged bass to vibrant synth traces to resonant drums. It’s a strong combine, dramatic and theatrical but one way or the other free and groovy on the similar time. This mix turns into extra charming the nearer you pay attention.

In fact, this attention-grabbing manufacturing makes me lengthy for an equally attention-grabbing music. 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 slightly below two and a half minutes, there’s not sufficient time for Water to develop its many concepts. A number of glorious melodic thrives and builds would have gone a good distance towards making this absolutely the banger it might have simply been.

Grade: C+