Stray Kids seem poised to dominate the second half of July with the release of new album Ate alongside a track on the sure-to-be-blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine movie. That corporate synergy even extends to the music video for title track Chk Chk Boom. Of K-pop’s many global successes, Stray Kids are at the tip top of international focus — an ascent that’s been nurtured for years. But as they’ve grown into superstars, I’ve had a harder time connecting with their new music. Often, it seems stuck in a holding pattern.
Chk Chk Boom has one big mark against it right from the start. Its overall gun/explosion schtick is one of K-pop’s most creatively bankrupt ideas. I’m sure there was a time when gun sound effects were genuinely compelling, but I can’t recall it. At this point, the trope has become so overused that it’s more monotonous that annoying.
Apart from that, Chk Chk Boom is totally… fine. It’s the sound of Stray Kids doing Stray Kids (with a Latin twist), so if that’s what you’re up for you’ll likely enjoy it to a certain extent. The slinky groove makes a satisfying through line, seesawing here and there until we hit the thumping percussion of the chorus. The second verse is especially effective, adding more electronic elements to the mix. The rhythm slows too often for my taste, but its insistent loops keep things interesting.
The song’s chorus leaves more to be desired. Between its tired “ratatata” and a forced attempt at a Spanish accent, the hook feels more than a bit gimmicky. It largely echoes the pattern of the percussion, neither detracting nor stealing attention from the groove. Like the bulk of the song, it all clicks together reasonably well. However, Stray Kids have shown us many times that they can do much better than “reasonably well.”
Hooks
7
Production
9
Longevity
8
Bias
7
RATING
7.75