REVIEWS

Stray Kids Are Trailblazers In Latest Comeback With "NOEASY"

Stray Kids has officially made their comeback with a masterpiece of an album, marking their first comeback since their big win at "KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR". This is their second studio album called "NOEASY" and it was released on August 23, 2021. Member HyunJin who was on hiatus has also returned to promotional activities with this […]

Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor
4 min to read · Published : Aug 24, 2021

Stray Kids Are Trailblazers In Latest Comeback With "NOEASY"

Stray Kids' Twitter

Concept

JYP Entertainment

"NOEASY" is "Thunderous" to say the least! Stray Kids combine a unique and characteristic traditional Korean sound with their own original "mala-taste" genre. The overall theme seems to be the message that Stray Kids are the rulers of the new world, led by the youth who will unendingly avert and resist the unfair system. Such a concept is quite the forte of Stray Kids and resonates with their core principles.

JYP Entertainment

Teaser images were released for each member, units, and the group as a whole. The members reflect a strong and powerful look yet there is a "calm before the storm" vibe from them.

JYP Entertainment

"NOEASY" seems to be a deliberate play on "NOISY" which is usually seen as the opposite of harmonious melody or sound. STAY on various online communities have been seeing this as a diss to haters who dismiss Stray Kids' music. However, Stray Kids turn it around to their advantage and own it. That is that charm of "NOEASY".

Fashion and Appearance

JYP Entertainment

There are several fashion highlights for this comeback. Chains and guns are juxtaposed with soft see-through fishnet vests and light grey braided extensions. Jewelry is kept rather minimal for the above concept.

JYP Entertainment

HyunJin's studded hair clips are arranged in a manner that resembles a crown and we have to say, this is perhaps the best fashion element for this comeback. Bang Chan's orange hair is a striking attention-grabber and it beautifully complements the lack of significant colour in the outfit.

JYP Entertainment

Felix's smoked-out red eye shadow is just the right amount of edge he needs to bring the look together. SeungMin's Chanel earrings and dual-tone neck chain are a subtle yet impactful addition. Han has a zipper chainlink necklace on and I.N's eyebrow piercing is just perfect.

JYP Entertainment

Bang Chan's body harness and his Givenchy cropped sweatshirt, coupled with the dark red makeup is a sight for sore eyes. ChangBin's cap chain and HyunJin's studded headband stand out whereas Lee Know's eyes do the talking in his individual photo.

Dance

As always, Stray Kids is unbeatable when it comes to the dance department. A music video was released for the title track of the album "Thunderous" and a dance challenge was created out of the same called the "#ThunderousChallenge". The members took turns to participate in the challenge themselves and millions of fans followed.

The dance challenge best highlights the killing points of the choreography and even though it definitely looks difficult, it is worth all the practising just to give it a try.

We get an even better look at the choreography during Stray Kids' comeback show on Mnet for "KINGDOMWEEK : NO+".

The members are bursting with energy, eager to show all that they've got and at the same time, with no urgency to prove anything to anybody. This is the Stray Kids we know and love.

Music

JYP Entertainment

Stray Kids were not playing around when they decided that they were going to break the internet and take over the K-Pop industry with this album. The album is made up of 14 songs spanning 46 minutes and 34 seconds. Needless to say, a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this album and it shows!

The songs are 'Cheese', 'Thunderous', 'Domino', 'Ssick', 'The View', 'Sorry I Love You', 'Silent Cry', 'Secret Secret', 'Star Lost', 'Red Lights (Bang Chan, HyunJin)', 'Surfin' (Lee Know, ChangBin, Felix)', 'Gone Away (Han, SeungMin, I.N)', 'Wolfgang' (the song Stray Kids performed for the finale of "KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR") and 'Mixtape: OH'.

Stray Kids performed 'The View' on Mnet's "KINGDOMWEEK : NO+" as well.

"NOEASY" focuses equally on the rap line and the vocal line and each member's qualities are brought out with grace. This album has definitely just landed itself a spot for one of the best K-Pop albums of all time.