At the end of last year, I picked Stray Kids as my top rookie of 2018. However, that was largely based on the incredible strength of their March debut. By the end of the year, I’d fallen a little out of love with their music. Part of me was afraid they’d begin to get lost in the trendy moodiness that drags down so many current boy groups. But with the galvanizing, triumphant Miroh, they’ve shattered expectations and reignited that spark of excitement I felt after listening to District 9.
Over the past few months, I’ve often complained about the lack of impact in K-pop’s title tracks. “Downbeat” and “chill” seem to the trends of the moment, but I seek out songs that slap me in the face with their energy and ambition. Miroh fits that description, rarely letting up as it rockets to its climax. Much of the song is built on familiar trends (a big beat drop, a deep house influenced groove), but it twists them just enough to feel fresh and daring. I absolutely love the chant-like hook that runs through most of the track. It feels African-inspired in a real classic way, and imbues Miroh’s rap-heavy build with the kind of catchiness that’s often missing from these segments.
Miroh kicks off with an evocative spoken-work introduction, where member Felix makes a case for becoming the low-toned successor to Bigbang’s T.O.P. From here, we get a brief bit of pop melody before launching into that aforementioned build and a gargantuan beat drop that truly ignites Miroh’s intense energy. On first listen, I was worried that this instrumental loop would take the place of an actual chorus, but the guys quickly jump in to deliver an anthemic hook on top of it. And that sense of fulfillment is Miroh in a nutshell. Rather than hold back, it blasts forward. I only hope the industry as a whole follows suit.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 10 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 9.25 |
~
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
That was quick! Chan really is something special
LikeLiked by 3 people
Absolute firecracker of a song. Changbin’s verse scalped me. Woojin is woefully underutilized, though…
LikeLiked by 4 people
I was so relieved when there wasn’t a single halftime trap breakdown, and the song is much better for it. I definitely wasn’t a fan of “I Am You,” and “My Pace” aged surprisingly poorly despite being a fun song, so I’m glad that this is so high energy.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Can you tell how much I hate the “halftime trap breakdown”? I feel like I bring it up every other day! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stray Kids is one of the few boy groups whose music really hooked me from first listen, so I was kind of disappointed when I felt myself drifting away from their music near the end of the year. But I was definitely excited once I heard the instrumental drop from the second teaser. Like I am generally sick of hearing them in songs these days but it actually sounds new and interesting with this song composition wise. Only thing I can complain about is missing woojin and seungmin’s vocals, they’ve been my favorite part of some of skz’s songs.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Stray Kids have grown so much musically since their debut. Miroh has District 9’s distinct energy but still distinguishes itself from any of their previous releases. The intensity is so high and it’s a pretty loud track but it’s not beating you in the head with it. They’ve really hit the perfect balance sonically. This is definitely the highest rating you’ve given for a Stray Kids track! Glad to see you enjoy the song as much as everyone else seems to enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what a rating! I haven’t actually had the chance to listen to Miroh yet (study abroad orientation weekend, hooray!), and I was biting my nails in anticipation. I don’t want Stray Kids to become like NCT 127 in the sense that I’m really just hanging on for a couple of standouts (in 127’s case, mostly Limitless, but I’ve always liked Stray Kids more as a whole), but I shouldnt have worried. I doubt our tastes will clash much on this one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel you! I was low-key expecting something chill, especially with the theories and stuff it seemed kind of dark. I was totally surprised as well! ( ´∀｀)
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s clear their concept is (and always will be) “The new BTS”, but this time they really hit the spot. Absolutely great comeback and nice ep as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Top Three K-Pop Songs of March 2019 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
such a good rating! I have just started stanning stray kidz and i’m so in love with each one of them. Their songs are bops too, they are definitely top rookie of 2018♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Miroh — The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion – K
Pingback: Song Review: GOT7 – Eclipse | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Leo (VIXX) – Romanticism | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Side Effects | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Top K-Pop Songs of 2019 (So Far) | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: 2019 in K-POP so far: Risers & Fallers | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: KNK – Sunset | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Seventeen – Hit | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: KCON LA 2019 – Recap & Review | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Double Knot | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Astronaut | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: EXO – Obsession | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Levanter | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Buried Treasure: Stray Kids – Stop | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The Top 50 K-Pop Songs of 2019 (Day Five: 10-1) | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The Top 10 K-Pop Artists of 2019 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The Top 10 K-Pop Producers of 2019 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The Top 10 K-Pop Music Videos of 2019 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Buried Treasure: ATEEZ – Horizon | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The Top Ten Best Songs by STRAY KIDS | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – On Track | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The Bias List’s LEGENDARY SONGS Inauguration Ceremony | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – TOP | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Top Three K-Pop Songs of May 2020 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – God’s Menu | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Buried Treasure: Stray Kids – Haven | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: The 100 Best K-Pop Songs of All-Time: 30-21 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Back Door | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Ex | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Thunderous | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Maniac | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Track Evaluation: Stray Youngsters – Maniac – Hits 1000
Pingback: Song Review: DKZ – Uh-Heung | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion
Pingback: Song Review: Stray Kids – Case 143 | The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion