Studio J’s New Band, Xdinary Heroes, Drops First Comeback Hello, world!
Hello, world! has already established the route that Studio J’s new band Xdinary Heroes will take for future comebacks. Their first EP, Hello, world!, released on July 20, contains a total of five immensely unique tracks: the title, “Test Me,” “KNOCK DOWN,” “Sucker Punch!,” “Strawberry Cake,” and “Pirates.”
Xdinary Heroes debuted in December of last year with the single “Happy Death Day,” and have since been carefully shaping the music they want to be displayed on their first mini-album — and they did not disappoint. It was common knowledge that the group would gravitate in a rock-inspired direction (something that has been trending within traditional K-pop music, with ENHYPEN’s “Shout Out” among others), but this time, the boys exceeded all expectations. Upon first glance, their concept is reminiscent of a techno-like, futuristic style. The album title Hello, world! not only references the first step of a programming language but is also their full-fledged introduction into the music industry.
xdinary heroes’ hello, world! album is a no skip album. that’s it. that’s the tweet.
— 우유 👾 (@XH_0912) July 20, 2022
The six-member band consists of drummer Gunil, keyboardist Jungsu, electric guitarist Gaon and Jun Han, Synthesizer O.de, and bassist Jooyeon. A day prior to the comeback’s release, they announced, “the new work Hello, world! is an album containing the first narrative of the group’s worldview. You can feel the confidence and determination to pioneer your own path, so please look forward to it.” Each track delivers a different story that the boys want listeners to relate to, which makes the EP so enjoyable. Although the title track “Test Me” reflects what they interpret as the sound and attitude of Gen Z, Hello, world! can get everyone onto their feet and dancing within seconds.
“Happy Death Day” gave listeners only a slice of what the group is truly capable of. However this time, the members actively worked on writing and composing each track, embedding bits of their personalities into the music. “Test Me” serves a defiant and rebellious attitude as the boys chant, “If you can make it better, take me/Test me test me/If you can make it more fun, take me/Test me test me.”
In an interview with Korea Herald, member Jun Han, who worked the closest with their main track, stated, “Apart from the upbeat melody, the words to the song convey a message about defiance and having the courage to say ‘no’ to a conformist society where everything is supposed to be ‘ordinary.’” His explanation also clarifies the meaning of their band name, Xdinary Heroes, which is an abbreviated version of Extraordinary Heroes. Their music, which drastically stands out from other K-pop acts, conveys this message as well. Xdinary Heroes seeks to differentiate themselves from the monotonous music crowd, and Hello, world! is the perfect entryway into a whole other world.
The rookie group acknowledges that they still have a long way to go, but their music has paved the first few steps into a hopefully prolific career. Being among the handful of bands that currently operate in the K-pop industry, Xdinary Heroes have already made a name for themselves; and we cannot wait for what the future has to bring. Fans can watch the music video for “Test Me” below.
Columnist | K-pop Stan | Tweet me @senaho5
