After a seven-month-long hiatus, K-pop band “Xdinary Heroes” comes back with their first mini album. Photo courtesy of Studio J.
Xdinary Heroes released their first mini album “Hello, World!” on July 20.JYP Entertainment’s discography gets a punk rock makeover with major rock and roll influences coming to play.
The band debuted with six members on December 6, 2021 with the single “Happy Death Day.” The member lineup is composed of Gunil (drums), Jungsu (keyboard), Gaon (electric guitar), O.de (synthesizer), Junhan (electric guitar) and Jooyeon (bass). The members themselves largely wrote and composed the tracks on the “Hello, World!” mini album.
The title track begins with a bass solo, which quickly spirals into video game-esque beats. The track is definitely unlike anything JYP Entertainment has ever released; a rock song with a story. The heroes pose the question, “if you rig a rigged system, are you a hero or a villain?” Despite the name of the band, the “heroes” are a lot more morally ambiguous than anticipated.
KNOCK DOWN
The second track is a continuation of the title track, with a more somber twist. “Like spider-man,” the heroes wish for the courage to jump across buildings without fear. They talk about how anxiety can suffocate you and as the title insists, can knock you down.
Sucker Punch!
Undoubtedly the most guitar centric track on the album with member Junhan playing most of the memorable parts of the piece.
Despite not being the main vocalists, Gaon and O.de stole the show with their raspy yet charming vocals. “Sucker Punch” is the least busy instrumentally, but gives off the most old school rock and roll vibe.
Strawberry Cake
The fourth song on the album incorporates fairytale elements with rocking bass and guitar licks. This track lets main vocalists Jooyeon and Jungsu shine, showing off their vocal ranges with them hitting C5 and Eb5 notes in the span of three minutes. Pinocchio’s story was the theme of the song; the heroes talk about how lies can rot and consume you, and tell you not to ever expect picture perfect happy endings.
Pirates
It’s the keyboards’ time to shine; O.de brings in the brass instruments while Jungsu provides backing chords that really let his and Jooyeon’s vocals shine. Unlike Strawberry Cake, their voices on the track seem a lot more relaxed and less strained.
Review
This album is definitely worth your time, and it’s a guarantee that within one listen you’ll be hooked. The band has grown a lot since “Happy Death Day,” especially after a six month hiatus.
You can listen to the album on Apple Music, Spotify, and on YouTube.
