Stray Kids This & That

K-pop phenoms Stray Kids push back against easy categorization on THIS & THAT. The group’s eight-track mini album is built around the themes of broad competence and eclectic tastes, most overtly on the laidback title track. “This & That” is more easygoing than most of Stray Kids’ prior, high-intensity lead singles, such as “MANIAC” or “Chk Chk Boom.” Stray Kids stay smooth on electropop breakup track “After You,” R&B goodbye “Way Out,” and nostalgic ballad “Back Then,” but get rougher on songs like “I Do” and “FARMING,” an exploration of modern hustle culture that harnesses both Felix’s husky baritone and Gen Alpha internet slang. The writing of THIS & THAT was led by 3RACHA—aka members Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN—grounding the tracks in Stray Kids’ own experiences. This is most keenly felt on anthem “RUN IT.” The brass-driven album-opener tells the story of the K-pop squad’s journey from pre-debut practice room to massive stages around the globe eight years later.