Stray, the 33-year-old rapper and songwriter hailing from New Haven, Connecticut, continues to solidify his presence in the underground hip-hop scene. A founding member of the Rogue Hollow collective, which emerged during the 2020 pandemic, Stray has steadily built a discography defined by grit and introspection. Following his solo debut Witherman, his 2023 full-length Cloudy Alibi, and last summer’s EP Enjoy the View, he now returns with his third EP, Blink of an Eye.

For this project, Stray has enlisted the talents of his crew’s newest in-house producer, Charlie Beans. The collaboration follows Beans’ recent work on the majority of James Joyce the Squatch’s fourth album, Discomfort Inn. The synergy between the two is palpable, with Beans providing a dark, atmospheric sonic backdrop that complements Stray’s lyrical delivery.

The EP opens with the “Change of Plans” intro, leading directly into “Cicada,” a track characterized by an aggressive, boom-bap instrumental that serves as a rallying cry for the underground. The project continues with “Foul Ground,” featuring James Joyce the Squatch, which highlights the distinction between the collective and their contemporaries. Tracks like “Out Alive” offer a somber reflection on mortality, while “Frost Bite” serves as a stern reminder of the pace required to keep up with the artist’s vision. The project concludes with “Perfect Timing,” a track that attempts to define the elusive nature of life’s timing, followed by the “Epilogue” outro.

As Stray gears up for his sophomore effort, Flinch—which will also be produced entirely by Charlie Beans—it is clear that he is hitting a new stride. Blink of an Eye stands as his most refined EP to date, suggesting that his upcoming full-length project may very well surpass the high bar set by Cloudy Alibi. Through the combination of Stray’s sharp lyricism and the dark, textured production of Charlie Beans, Rogue Hollow continues to make significant waves across the underground landscape.

Score: 8/10