Xikers Introduces Us to the Magic Behind ‘TRICKY HOUSE’

The world of fifth-generation K-pop is approaching. What exactly will dictate this change is unclear, however, groups such as NewJeans have paved the way for unique styles of music— unlike anything the industry has heard thus far. With such advancements upon us, it is no surprise that KQ Entertainment, who launched ATEEZ into the spotlight in 2018, has finally unveiled their second boy group: xikers.

From the surface, they appear to be like any other new artist, endlessly entertaining with hours of content already posted on their YouTube account, but when they hit the stage they appear anything but.

Never before have such powerful performances grazed the likes of the K-pop world, especially when groups have begun to shift their focus to dancing alone. The synchronicity of their choreographies confirms they could specialize in performing, but with their debut HOUSE OF TRICKY: Doorbell Ringing, they have proved themselves talented in rapping and singing alike. 

KPOP WAS ASKING FOR A POWERHOUSE ROOKIE BOY GROUP, HERE THEY ARE! #xikers_debut #XIKERS pic.twitter.com/Uckczs4kUt

— 민기’s pri | HWA DAY♡ (@pinomingio) March 30, 2023

Since shifting out of the COVID-19 restrictions that confined the K-pop industry—with the ever-increasing magnitude of groups launching world tours—the music scene has been on an exponential rise—new artists are emerging left and right.

But what makes xikers stand out? First and foremost, the group consists of ten members: Minjae, Junmin, Sumin, Jinsik, Hyunwoo, Junghoon, Seeun, Yujun, Hunter, and Yechan. Since early September of last year, xikers, previously known as the pre-debut group KQ Fellaz, have been releasing a steady stream of media in the form of reality TV episodes, dance practices, and even musical releases such as their single track titled “Geek.”

It has become increasingly common for fourth-generation K-pop stars like Stray Kids and ENHYPEN, to give fans proper exposure prior to their debut. Many of these artists have originated from survival series. The boys’ playful and energetic energy showcased through their content has certainly manifested itself on the stage but to a far greater extent. 

Although there have been worries from older followers of K-pop that the industry will transform into a purely performance-based playing field (especially since choreographies have made K-pop appeal to an international audience), xikers has been able to satisfy conflicting groups of fans due to their incredible dance ability and vocal skills. Those who have kept up with ATEEZ’s style evolution over the years can most definitely recognize xikers’ similarity, particularly with their predecessors’ early music. The group’s title track, “TRICKY HOUSE,” mirrors the same explosive energy recognizable in songs like “Pirate King” and “HALA HALA (Hearts Awakened, Live Alive).” Oftentimes, companies attempt to contrast their boy groups against each other to widen their artists’ range and attract listeners, a notable example being the stark differences in HYBE’s groups TOMORROW X TOGETHER and ENHYPEN. 

In the short time span since their debut, xikers have definitely lived up to the expectations of their group name: a combination between “x” and “hikers,” “as boys who are traveling the coordinates and the limitless time,” Minjae outlined during the group’s appearance on M Countdown.

What has set xikers apart from groups who implement a similar style of music, such as Stray Kids or ATEEZ, has been their exploration of unique rhythms and melodies. Fans across social media sites TikTok and Twitter appreciate how “TRICKY HOUSE” implements the Moombahton genre within Bollywood music with its eccentric and addictive sound.

Their cultural influences have been reshaped into a modern context that characterizes the up-in-coming group. With this, xiker’s music video has its own charm, as the concept is mysterious and refreshing, and perfectly captures the boys’ personalities. 

In classic ATEEZ fashion, xikers, of course, had to launch their first pair of title tracks, with “ROCKSTAR,” which accompanies “TRICKY HOUSE.” Like its name, “ROCKSTAR” implements rock-pop-inspired elements throughout the verses, until it divulges into a chanted chorus that switches into electronic-dance beats. This track is very reminiscent of newer artists such as NMIXX, who seek to combine varying styles into their music—reflective of their name and group concept as a whole. Furthermore, the HOUSE OF TRICKY: Doorbell Ringing contains five additional songs: “The TRICKY’s Secret,” “Doorbell Ringing,” “Dynamic (Cheongryang),” “XIKEY,” and “Oh My Gosh,” each with their own flavor for listeners to discover. 

Xikers is dawning upon twenty million views for their debut music video and has amassed nearly 400,000 streams on music platforms like Spotify. Each of their performances seems to unlock something new that the group has to offer, whether that be Seeun’s stable vocals or Hunter’s show-stopping facial expressions. As the group slowly rises the ranks in popularity, they are sure to create an ever-lasting impact on the evolving K-pop universe.