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. Nonetheless, that is very sluggish interval for Ok-pop because of the Paris Olympics pre-empting music reveals, so I’d as nicely make an exception for Mountains.
Mountains opens the group’s latest album and reignites sounds they haven’t touched in awhile. The music 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 search out an equally commanding hook. On first hear, the “mountains, mountains” refrain feels a bit of foolish and slight, however I discover it extra pleasurable because the music goes on. A extra melodic method 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 music. It’s a bit We Will Rock You blended with Think about Dragons, however not as annoying as that description suggests. Stray Youngsters excel when going large, and Mountains feels tailor made for stadium performances.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
Grade: B