Over the past few days, Stray Kids have been releasing music videos for each of the unit tracks on their new mixtape. We’ve already heard from Changbin, I.N, Han and Felix, leaving four more members to go. Up next is Bang Chan and Hyunjin. Their Escape brings just as much bombast as the past two songs, though it’s delivered in a more measured way.
I’m not sure exactly how to describe this song, but “trap-rock ballad” seems as good a label as any. It moves from angsty verses to a crushing stomp of guitar and percussion for the chorus. To me, it feels like a more idiosyncratic version of an Imagine Dragons song, and your enjoyment may hinge on how much you enjoy that band. Escape delivers catharsis well. I can imagine a crowd of thousands singing its chorus in unified release. Much of the instrumental offers plenty of space for Bang Chan and Hyunjin to show off and this is a fitting sound for them.
However, Escape’s energy is just too lumbering to ignite much interest. I appreciate when it switches into a more nimble melody during verse two, traced by very effective falsetto. But without much of a chorus to anchor the track, Escape puts too much focus on stomp-it-out angst. Its overall direction shows promise, but the execution is not entirely for me.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I don’t like Imagine Dragons but I like this one. Is it because they’re hotter than Imagine Dragons? Idk, possible. Or it might be that I like Bang Chan’s vocal color way too much. This song may not be on the same level as Red lights, but it’s working for me (I still believe Truman is the best of the units though).
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With a side of lite Reggae beat in the verses. And a side of Taylor Swift in the chorus – oo oh trouble trouble trouble.
Pass.
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Now that many people have pointed out the Imagine Dragons resemblance I really can’t unhear it, and in fact when I try to recall how this song goes my brain just says “you make me a you make a believer, believer…”
As a song I don’t really care for it. But as an addition to the Hyunjin and Bang Chan BDSM Cinematic Universe, I find there is plenty to appreciate.
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Also, given the way kpop boys LOVE Imagine Dragons, it’s surprising we don’t get more songs like this honestly. (Knock on wood 😭)
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Sometimes stays have to know are prsonal space and we will be happy but i long time something very sad happened in 2024 at hospital at 5pm my roommate carwyn died on october the 12th on saturday evening it was sad news for me
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I’m… sorry?
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the
the what universe
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It’s a wildly popular viewpoint. I don’t subscribe to it but I do acknowledge that’s an angle they give a nod to.
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It must be because of the Red Lights MV with all the chains and the ropes and the choking going on. They knew what they were doing.
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You heard me, boy
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Do kpop boys really like imagine dragons? God help us all I’m gonna have nightmares that a certain long awaited comeback is gonna sound like them now 😭 (I hate believer with a passion)
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“Believer” isn’t Imagine Dragon’s only song lol. They’re a pretty good band if you explore their discography. Their only moral failing is being mainstream.
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I’m sorry, I was kinda exaggerating because of this one song. I do like “it’s time” and “radioactive” a lot for example.
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Why in God’s name would I make the choice to explore their discography
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Because curiosity is a good trait to have!
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I listen to a very wide variety of music. I only have so much time to explore things before I die and I’m not gonna spend time digging into the discographies of bands I already dislike when there are infinite other musicians I could be listening to.
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Well, this one dropped the ball a little bit, especially considering the two songs that come before it on the mixtape. My issue isn’t so much about the fact that it takes inspiration from Imagine Dragons (though I understand why that might scare away some people, I think that band has some good songs lol).
I just feel like the melody isn’t hooky enough, even with the chants that SKZ loves to use so much. The production, while it has a bunch of different sounds (trap and rock influences), does not feel as exciting as the previous tracks on the mixtape. I don’t find it awful, it’s just there as another Stray Kids song with trap beats, chants and rock elements.
7.5 for me too.
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I like this song, but I like Red Lights more.
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Considering they are the red light duo,expectations are high,I’d give this a 7 cos I expected more.
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imo, Escape is more like a soundtrack song. It fits perfectly with the MV. That being said, the song is ok on its own. But it’s not the best Chris has put out. And let’s be real, there will never be another Red Lights!
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I love this song should have got a higher score had me vibing with the beat. Could be part of a action movie I can see the vision coming true❤️
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Another mediocre output…stray kids seem to be allergic to making good music for the last few years.
I think 3racha should take some time out.
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i feel like this is a bit of an exaggeration but okay. I haven’t heard a single song that’s any less than perfect and I have heard all of their discography. You are entitled to your opinion and that’s fine but let’s not put it like that, it is a bit rude to say that they are allergic to making good music, especially considering that they have one of the strongest discographies in kpop. No hate, take care 😁♥️
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I completely respect your opinion but I genuinely don’t agree with it. 😂. It is crazy how two people can listen to a song and form two COMPLETELY different opinions about it. I am in LOVE with that song. The lyrics are amazing and their voices mix very well (Bang Chan’s voice is everything). I love the transitions between the choruses. But then again z that’s my opinion. I would give it is 11/10 honestly. But oh well we are not all the same, are we?
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my sister (who doesn’t rlly listen to kpop) said the MV looks like a love story and now I lowkey can’t unsee it 😭
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