![]() The first front cover of the magazine featured the Goons, Big Bill Broonzy and Ted Heath and cost sixpence. NME, which has been printed weekly since 1952, managed to make money as a brand overall through spin-off activities such as awards and events. Time is consulting with the NME’s 23 editorial and commercial staff about possible redundancies. It is in the digital space where effort and investment will focus to secure a strong future for this famous brand.” “We have also faced increasing production costs and a very tough print advertising market. #Final print music free#“Our move to free print has helped propel the brand to its biggest ever audience on NME.com,” said Paul Cheal, the UK group managing director, music, at NME publisher Time Inc UK. It relaunched as an ad-funded, free title with a circulation of 300,000 in a last throw of the strategic dice for the print edition. Though sometimes that can lead to mishaps, I’ll be eagerly awaiting their next release.In 2015, the magazine stopped being a paid title after a decade of sales declines saw its circulation drop to just 15,000. No two comebacks are the same, and the group continues to push new boundaries. I could tell that maximum effort went into making “MAXIDENT.” The mini album was like nothing I had ever seen or heard before from Stray Kids. It’s fun and lightheartedness fit the overall tone. The last song on “MAXIDENT” is the Korean version of “CIRCUS,” a song on the Japan EP of the same title released back in June. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual slower songs the vocalists headline, like “My Universe.” The hard-hitting electric guitar and drums contrast the voices’ high and soft tones. ![]() ![]() The vocalists help close out the album with “Can’t Stop,” a cute song that fits both Seungmin’s and I.N’s voices well. The beat pace speeds up, slows down and halts, making for a sensual roller coaster. Hyunjin meets the two in the middle, giving the song an amazing range. Lee Know’s high, icy vocals foil Felix’s base beautifully. “TASTE” was a song I was looking forward to and I was not disappointed. The raps, which usually have great versatility, all follow a similar style. “3RACHA” was among my disappointments on “MAXIDENT.” The track sounds dated and like a step back from Stray Kids’ last subunit song, “We Go.” The backing instrumentals feel empty, and the rapping from all members isn’t top form, both rhythmically and lyrically. However, the chorus lacks length and variety, making the song feel summed up by the members repeating the title. The light electric piano brings the song some clarity. The bass is an amazing anchor for the synth that rises and falls throughout the song. ![]() The instrumentals in “SUPER BOARD” are among my favorites on the album. The final minute is an epic explosion that renders visuals of an emotional final battle, a creative choice given the song is about talking to your crush. The retro style and beats make the song action-packed while staying grounded thematically. My roommate summarized “Give Me Your TMI” in the best way: It’s a final boss song. Its abrupt ending leaves a feeling of nostalgia, fitting for a break up song. #Final print music tv#The backing piano and fresh vocals make the song feel like the opening to a slice-of-life TV show. “CHILL” follows “CASE 143” in the track list as refreshing change from the title track’s jarring pace. ![]() I enjoy how the pre-chorus rises and falls with the lyrics, but the way Felix’s opening sounds is too choppy and lacks the power that packed a punch from “MANIAC” on “ODDINARY.” I also like Bang Chan’s part in the final chorus that uplifts the song with a catchy chant. My main issue with “CASE 143” is the busy instrumentals cluttering the background to the point where Han, Felix, Hyunjin and Changbin can barely be heard from underneath the auto tune in the first 30 seconds of the song. However, the weakest part of “MAXIDENT” is the title track. It’s a complete turn of the coin from the dark and powerful aesthetics of “ODDINARY.” The project’s eight songs are bright and youthful, while still managing to maintain the group’s experimental and high-energy musicality. As a fan - or a part of their fandom “STAY” - since before Stray Kids’ debut, I was interested to see how the group would tackle this sweeter theme. Its past songs, such as “Thunderous” and “God’s Menu,” tend to focus on being different and coming into your own identity. “MAXIDENT’s” theme - love - is a concept the group has never explored before. Six months after Stray Kids’ last album “ODDINARY” and accompanying world tour, the octet’s newest mini album “MAXIDENT” released Friday along with a music video for the title track, “CASE 143.” ![]()
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