ODDINARY

Since debuting in 2017, JYP Entertainment boy band Stray Kids have separated themselves from their contemporaries—Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N are unafraid of taking musical risks, which means every comeback of the group brings unique pleasures. On *ODDINARY*, the thesis statement arrives in the single “MANIAC,” with the opening line “Relax, everyone, stop pretending to be normal” introducing the listener to a collection of songs that celebrate the everyday nonconformist. That’s mirrored in the musicality: “MANIAC” features techno trap production so jagged it borders on industrial, save for a chorus of bird sounds; it’s out there, but without sacrificing melody. “Lonely St.” is lovelorn emo-trap; “VENOM” is elastic, drippy hip-hop-pop. No matter your peculiarity, there’s something for you here.

While K-pop boyband Stray Kids may claim to be nothing but ‘Oddinary’, their new mini-album clearly shows otherwise.

The Korean group's first release after signing with Republic Records, Stray Kids' Oddinary EP achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Billboard 200 upon release in early 2022.