ATE: A full-course meal of hits

 

Photo: JYP Entertainment

    Stray Kids are the new sensation in the world of k-pop and their new mini-album ATE is proof of that. Released on 19 July this year, it reflects the group's energetic and daring essence. With eight tracks, including the singles ‘Chk Chk Boom’, ‘Moutains’ and ‘JJAM’, the project stands out for its fusion of genres, mixing hip-hop, electronic music and, of course, pop. The title of this EP is a pun on the past tense of the verb eat , which in the Internet slang means to kick ass, and ,also, the fact that there are eight members of the group.

    The album opens with the single ‘Chk Chk Boom’, a vibrant track inspired by hip-hop and reggaeton with Latin influences, which conveys confidence and precision. The lyrics emphasise the determination to reach the desired target/goal as perfectly as possible. In addition to the dynamic rhythm, the music reinforces the Latin influence by incorporating words in Spanish, integrating them perfectly with the lyrics in Korean and English. The Latin elements, both musical and lyrical, amplify the song's bold and assertive atmosphere, making it an album highlight.

    The track ‘JJAM’ reflects the group's characteristic hip-hop sound. Using the metaphor of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the song plays with the Korean expression ‘no jam’ (노잼), which means ‘no fun’, and transforms this concept into something light and fun-filled. In addition, the song incorporates modern slang and an infectious beat, emphasising the group's relaxed spirit.

    ‘I Like It’, on the other hand, has a more experimental feel. The pop track combines a synth sound with a touch of drill. The track talks about enjoying a casual relationship, a ‘fling’, without the pressures of love or commitment (‘Don't ask, “What are we?”’). The central message revolves around the idea of enjoying the moment and maintaining the lightness of a relationship without labels, something similar to the concept of ‘situationship’ popular with younger generations.

    ‘Twilight’ is a piano-led track with a smooth blend of jazz and bossa nova, showing a “different side” of the Stray Kids. The song portrays the pain and regret of losing someone dear, plunging you into a feeling of longing and emptiness. Lyrics like ‘I always cry without fail when I think of you/ When I wake up aftеr falling asleep exhausted/ The sky is sеtting, and it's night again in my room’ emphasise the intimate monologue throughout the song. With a melancholic melody, the track creates an introspective atmosphere, where the vocals stand out as they express the desire to reconnect, blending harmoniously with the delicate instrumentation. The bossa nova influence adds a sophisticated touch, differentiating ‘Twilight’ from the group's more usually energetic style. 

    The album ends with the festival version of the first single ‘Chk Chk Boom’, rearranged to have a faster tempo and including EDM elements.

    ATE explores a wide range of musical styles, from hip-hop to jazz and bossa nova. The project's diversity is also visible in the themes it addresses, which range from light-heartedness to deeper emotional issues. With this diversity of rhythms and themes, the Stray Kids manage to demonstrate their ability to balance their explosive energy and emotional sophistication in a mini-album. ATE is a clear testimony to the continued growth of the Stray Kids, consolidating them as a creative powerhouse on the music scene.

Rating:8/10

Portuguese Version: https://www.comumonline.com/2024/10/ate-uma-miscelanea-musical-a-moda-coreana/