Stray Kids have become one of a handful of groups defining the sound of K-pop’s fourth generation. Early on, I was a huge fan of their rap-meets-rock sound and its ensuing foray into EDM and trance. Since 2020, my interest in their music has become more hit and miss. The spark of creativity remains, but the big choruses of District 9 and Miroh have largely been replaced with truncated, catchphrasey hooks.

Those adjectives perfect describe Case 143 – the group’s freewheeling return to a bright concept. Like March’s Maniac, the track melds hip-hop verses to a rhythmic hook fueled by electronic undertones. The contrast feels less jarring here, but I’m not sure it’s any more successful.

This is very much a personal pet peeve (don’t kill me, fans…), but I’ve always had a hard time with content that feels overly pleased with its own cleverness. This has become a big part of Stray Kids’ appeal (ie: their “idea bank”), but I find it kind of exhausting. My brain wants the music to breathe and grow and lean into its strengths. Instead, it feels like they’re constantly waving things in my face. “Look at this!” “And this!” “Isn’t this cool?”

Stray Kids are cool. There’s no doubt about that. And, Case 143 has some standout moments. But, it’s not until the last few seconds when the song really comes together. The staccato nature of its chorus works well as a response to a contrasting melody line. On its own, it becomes repetitive very quickly. Paired with the throw-everything-and-the-kitchen-sink percussion that underpins much of the verses, Case 143 is a prickly beast. I’m not sure it’s for me – even if that descending hook is already lodged in my memory.