Stray Kids released two songs from their upcoming album last month, but neither of these was promoted with a music video. Title track Giant arrives as the album’s first big push right as the full project is unveiled. Fans of the group’s more disruptive side will find plenty to enjoy, as the song rumbles with electronic distortion between gruff declarations from the guys.
There’s a world where I might find this all very charming. After all, I love a punky attitude and general disregard for ‘playing nice.’ But like much of the group’s music these past few years, there’s too little to grab onto and the general vibe leans closer to obnoxious than thrillingly combative. Giant opens as an Imagine Dragons-esque stomp, becoming most dramatic during its pummeling pre-chorus. The production’s too plodding to fully work, but the song still sets itself up for success.
Then, we crash into Giant‘s chorus. This segment will likely polarize opinion, with some listeners loving its brash energy. I find the whole thing exhausting… and not in a good way. The “I’m a giant” hook lacks imagination and the “run, run, run before we come, come, come” refrain veers uncomfortably close to a nursery rhyme for my taste. Add some ear-shredding electronic flourishes and you’ve got a chorus that’s difficult to enjoy on a purely sonic level. However, I’ll concede that I’m no longer the target audience for Stray Kids’ music.
Hooks
6
Production
8
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7