I am sure that this is my first KPOP post, hence, I will let Stray Kids do the honour. I wouldn’t say I am specifically a KPOPper, because I listen to all song genres. In terms of KPOP, I do listen to famous songs, mostly those which would pop up in my FYP or be used for KDrama/KShow BGM. Especially if the song is catchy and stuck in my head for a long time. It started during the Bigbang era until now.
However, I don’t specifically search for them when I listen to Spotify or any other streaming platform. If you take a look at my Spotify playlist, the songs are so mixed up and random, ranging from the 1990s to the 2020s, consisting of English, Malay, Indonesian, Thai, French, Korean, and Japanese songs, spreading out to be in the genre of Metal, Pop, R&B, Jazz, Rock, EDM, Trap, Ballad, etc. (Gosh, I can’t list them all). But yes, I am proudly a ‘STAY’ (Stray Kids’ fandom name).
Stray Kids – (Side) Effect
The KEYWORD here is I LISTEN to everything, but it doesn’t mean that I am DEEPLY INVESTED in everything.
BUT, in 2019, when Stray Kids appeared in my life – specifically ‘Side Effect‘, I started to get hooked by their music, it made me dig deeper which I never did with any other KPOP groups (excluding the facts that are being shared widely on social media by other groups’ fans). If you know the distinctiveness between ‘Side Effect’ from other KPOP, maybe you would understand how that song would make me start looking for them.
Then I found out that the group is self-produced and the members are created from scratch with the leader, Bang Chan handpicked his members. That is a HUGE difference in the KPOP industry.
Fair to say, I love genius Bang Chan, ahem, I meant, people – genius people.
Stray Kids – Chk Chk Boom
On July 19th, Stray Kids released their 9th mini-album called ‘ATE’ (because there are 8 members in the group and they ATE! with every song), with the title track called ‘Chk Chk Boom’. Even though ‘Chk Chk Boom’ is their title song, it is actually their second track in the album – ‘Mountains’ is their first track since ‘Mountains’ is the reason this mini-album was created.
The MV received welcoming roars from not only their fans but also the public for the cameo of our very own Wolverine and Deadpool. This is an impactful promotion for the Deadpool & Wolverine movie coming up on the 25th of July. It also goes on full circle benefit for Stray Kids since their new song ‘Slash’ will be one of the movie’s soundtrack (the song itself will be released on the 24th of July). FYI, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman DIDN’T notify Marvel of their cameo appearance in the MV. I don’t know if Marvel should be happy or pissed, hahaha.
Alas, since Stray Kids is known for their explosive and bizarre music that could satisfy all 6 senses, some fans are a bit – not to say disappointed but didn’t get the ‘oomph!’ that they have usually been served by the group. Now when I read their comments, I am disappointed with the FANS who don’t get that that’s the purpose of ‘Chk Chk Boom’. I expect only STAYs would click this article, hence, my explanations below are for you guys ungrateful kids. *offensive side eyes*
Chk Chk Boom – On The Surface Concept
On the day of the new album release, there is also a video released called [Intro “ATE”]. This is common in KPOP industry for the group to release a documentary video recording their explanations and intentions behind the album release, together with some behind-the-scenes of the recording.
Publicly, the group collectively explained that the concept of the song ‘Chk Chk Boom’ is aiming for one goal and taking a shot at it – and hitting it bullseye. That’s why the MV shows a lot of paintball shooting, the choreography has the shooting gestures, and the song literally says Chk Chk (cocking) Boom (shooting). I mean, we all know that on the surface. But do you all understand the meaning of the lyrics and MV concept on the other side? No? And you are thinking they didn’t deliver *bombastic side eyes*.
Chk Chk Boom – Hidden Concept
Before you read further, kindly note that the things I explain starting after this paragraph are based on my observation as an overthinking Stay and they are not in any way confirmed by my love Bang Chan, the main producer. I think most Stays would understand my view. They are just theories, but I assure you they are logical theories.
Irregularity Concept
First thing first, you need to understand that ‘Chk Chk Boom’ is considered irregular for the Stray Kids universe as the music genre is mainstream with only a slight touch of Stray Kids style. Felix had mentioned in one of his interviews that the song is intended as a chill song juxtaposed with their regular style. Long story short, everything you see and listen to in the MV will portray the concept of irregularity in the Stray Kids universe. From the sounds, the line distributions, the cameo, the lyrics, etc.
i) Irregularity 1 – Superheroes Cameo
On the very first frame of the MV, Wolverine appeared, presenting the weather forecast news and Ryan Reynold followed as the newscaster presenting a breaking news of a mysterious phenomenon. First of all, the cameo of not one – but two A-List Hollywood celebrities in the MV itself is irregular, not only for Stray Kids but also KPop industry.
ii) Irregularity 2 – Han’s Intro
How often do we have Han singing the intro of Stray Kids’ song? Rarely. We have ‘Bintro’ where we know when Chang Bin sang the intro, it’s gonna be a bop. We have the ‘Felix Effect’ when Felix sings the intro or any hook, people will, you know, get hooked. So they hinted at the irregularity by putting Han singing the intro.
iii) Irregularity 3 – Changbin’s Laidback Flow
Regularly, Changbin’s rap served like a growl of a hellhound, eating the lyrics and serving the bars like bullets. But in this song, as an irregularity, he raps calmly (but still serves!). He also said in his lyrics; “Sick of this life, it’s regular. I overate victory, so full. To go for a stroll, I wear the belt around my waist.“. Meaning, that in his regular life, they conquer the top after top (I apologize to other KPOP fans for his over-flexing) and it becomes their routine, their regular life.
So now, he’s gonna take a stroll, as in walk and chill after eating ‘victory’ too much. You know when people eat too much, they will lose their jeans button, but instead of continuing overeating, Changbin is putting a belt on his waist, restraining himself – toning down his rapping.
iv) Irregularity 4 – Square Frames (Mysterious Installations)
What I think the square frames symbolize is a box. You know the phrasal verb ‘Outside of The Box’ means out of the ordinary. For instance, when people ask you to think outside of the box means thinking in a different way from how you always think.
So in this MV, with the concept of irregularity, Stray Kids is looking at the squares from the outside, showing that they are now outside of the box = they are now singing a song that is not how they always sing. That’s why the song sounds mainstream, because regular for Stray Kids is explosive and distinctive. Stray Kids has its sounds. It’s regular for people, but not for them.
v) Irregularity 5 – I.N Being The Center
Uri Maknae is on top in the centre! I understand why 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Han, Changbin) usually give I.N lines during the bridge or small parts. Because I.N’s voice is so unique, they have yet to find an exact style that best suits him. Hence, for now, it’s unusual for I.N to be the centre for the main bridge before both the first and second hooks.
Additionally, I’ve been meaning to say. I think the reason 3RACHA decided to make a chill song is because KPOP fans always try to say that their songs are noisy, too loud or chaotic. Saying that, of course, will affect 3RACHA’s pride as the producer. As if people are saying that they don’t do mainstream songs because they can’t make a catchy one, not because they don’t want to.
So now, they serve ‘Chk Chk Boom’, taking an aim, and shooting it on the bullseye = We can do mainstream songs too, so here it is. And we ATE! I.N further solidifies my theory when he sings the line “There’s nothing I can’t do, I do it“.
vi) Irregularity 6 – Bang Chan’s Bass Bridge
We all know, not only Stays, but all KPOP listeners who know Stray Kids know that bass lines = Felix. That’s why the term ‘Felix Effect’ exists. That’s how impactful Felix’s line is in every Stray Kids song. The irregularity in this part is very obvious. Instead of Felix, Bang Chan sings the bass part this time with his trademark slurry singing-rapping style.
The MV even teased us during the start of the part with the camera panning over Felix’s face, thinking it was his part, but naahhh, it’s Bang Chan! Also, it’s like an unspoken rule of Bang Chan to never give himself a catchy part in their songs because he is the main producer for 99% of their songs. So he thinks that it’s fair to let the members have the lines as he already receives a lot from the royalties itself.
vii) Irregularity 7 – Seung Min Minimal Lines
It’s rare to see Seungmin with these minimal lines. Usually, he almost always sings the main vocal part which consists of 10 – 20 lines. However, in ‘Chk Chk Boom’, he only has like 4-6 lines.
Anyway, focusing on Seungmin’s lines, he sings the same part as Bang Chan, but in a different melody. The line is “Filling up my truck, yeah you want that ride. Hit you like a truck, imma make you fly.“. Also, another line that I think Stray Kids is trying to tell the haters that = “You really wanna throw all the hate to us? You really wanna throw the rubbish accusations? You really wanna do that? Okay, fine. I’ll make a song that you want, prepare to be hit hard.” One shot, one kill.
viii) Irregularity 8 – Felix On The Second Hook
This is the BIGGEST irregularity. Felix is almost always given the first hook because his voice is deep like Lake Baikal. If you remember the ‘Maniac’ line distributions, Felix sings the first hook, and the second hook is Hyunjin. For ‘Chk Chk Boom’ it’s the opposite. But Felix still succeeds in giving us goosebumps no matter which part he sings.
ix) Irregularity 9 – Latin Vibe
Another trademark of Stray Kids’ usual music is their mix of genres. In a song, there could be Trap, EDM, Hip Hop, and Cyberpunk. On the other hand, ‘Chk Chk Boom’ is just a Latin club vibe with a slight touch of Stray Kids’ Hip Hop signature using the phonk sounds. Some drum and hi-hats beat switching up on the second part, and that’s it.
Seungmin did tell the fans in the Intro video that the hyungnims (older brothers) are enjoying Latin songs lately and that’s why the song has Latin Vibes in it. Also why they include the use of Spanish words like ‘Vamos’ (let’s go), ‘Lobos’ (wolf), and ‘La Vida Loca’ (living a crazy life). I suspect the original lines are the same for both Hyunjin’s and Lee Know’s part, but since Wolverine is there as the cameo, they instil the word ‘Lobos’.
Conclusion
No matter what genre Stray Kids’ music is, it’s always a delight to see another masterpiece produced by them. As if they are reminding us that there are still prodigies that will produce great music. Imagine if there were no creative music producers back then, we would be stuck listening to only Jazz throughout our life. Imagine if there’s no music prodigy now, what would it be in the future?
Although, it’s also exposed in the Intro video that 3RACHA is having immense difficulty in creating a song outside of their style without losing their identity. They told viewers that they re-wrote and re-arranged the song multiple times before they found a way to weave their identity in a mainstream-beat song like ‘Chk Chk Boom’.
The funny part is, that they held themselves a lot in making the title track, and they let go of everything in the ‘Jjam’ song. So, don’t worry, Stray Kids did not change. If you are a Stay, you would know that they love experimenting with music.
To close my post, I hope my love for Stray Kids doesn’t make you cringe too much. HAHA! If you are also a KDrama fan, I also write about it here! And, and, kindly let me know if I missed other irregularities in the MV, okay?
STRAY KIDS EVERYWHERE ALL AROUND THE WORLD, YOU MAKE STRAY KIDS STAY!
