Just months after the release of their chart-topping hit
Oddinary, K-pop group
Stray Kids matched the chart-topping -- and top-selling -- feat with their seventh Korean-language EP
Maxident. Including their booming single "Case 143," the eight-track set features all the band's typical hallmarks, blending edgy raps with smooth harmonies, aggressive electro-production, and popping dance urgency. Outside of the aptly titled "Chill,"
Maxident really takes the "max" of the title and pushes the eye-popping energy to the fore on explosive moments like "Super Board" and the drill-inspired "3RACHA," a sub-unit showcase for members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. Other sub-unit tracks follow, with Lee Know, Hyunjin, and Felix taking "Taste" and Seungmin and I.N on the uplifting rock anthem "Can't Stop." Upon release,
Maxident hit number one in South Korea, the U.S., and Poland, selling over two million copies in South Korea, a first for the octet. ~ Neil Z. Yeung