Xdinary Heroes, the K-boyband under JYP Entertainment, has just released their ninth mini album titled Impulse. The album follows an expression of different emotions and different phases surrounding love and romance. Xdinary Heroes hit the ground running just last year with their first world tour, Beautiful Mind, with six stops in North America. They kicked off the tour by headlining one of the biggest festivals in the world, Lollapalooza. Not only did they rock the stage at Lollapalooza but followed it up with an incredibly successful tour. Each of the six stops sold out completely from Brooklyn, NY, to San Jose, CA. 

After their album Beautiful Mind, they rocked the charts by hitting their first 100k+ in sales; they’ve been on the rise ever since. This album being the second comeback that we’ve gotten from the boy band this year has fans everywhere excited, as it has been highly anticipated. Xdinary Heroes is known for not only their amazing cover songs like “Congratulations” by DAY6, “Drown” by Bring Me the Horizon, and “Impossible” by Nothing but Thieves, but also their amazing albums. So much so that they’ve worked with rock legends such as MUSE and Yoon Do Hyun, who collaborated on them with the song, “INSTEAD”, bringing heavy metalcore/nu-metal stylings to the track. On this album, all of the members collaborated together to see the vision they’ve created come to life. 

Xdinary Heroes brings a life to the K-boyband scene that is one of a kind. From the amazing instrumentals, all the members put their best foot forward to produce all of the different genres that they have explored. Xdinary Heroes is unique and has an incredible range of genres that they have done. This album in particular is an unique mixing pot of collaborations and different genres. 

The first track, “Obsessed with Youth” is a mix of EDM rock and pop rock. It starts off very intense, coupled with an amazing instrumental. It’s the kind of track filled with emotional vocals and vibe. Think of it as the headbanger you want to sing when nobody is home. The next track, “Give up the Ghost, is insane; bringing together a collaboration with the legendary British metal band Bring Me the Horizon’s Oliver (Oli) Sykes. The vibe is hard hitting but there’s a mildness to it. Think of it as a chill, yet powerful, rock song. Plus, Oliver Sykes had a huge contribution to the lyrics! “Slashhh!”, a track that had an aggressive and boyish vibe, comes with  fast tempos and heavy riffs. This is a track that highlights the member’s technical artistry and is an amazing example of the talents the members have when combined.

Track four, “u and me in arguments”, is a masterpiece with a melodic pop structure. Members Jooyeon and Jungsu felt quite passionate about it, with an amazing twist and use of words that are so powerful. The phrase “u and me in arguments” being a play on words as there is a “u” and “me” in the “argument”. With the emphasis on creativity, passion and intention the members put into every track and every album, this track is my favorite. This headbanger, which they all are, gets you to feel all the emotions and screams you experience throughout this track as if they are your own. “You Right There” is a heavy rock and alternative rock song that is written and composed by Xdinary Heroes member Gaon. This song is a powerful and hard hitting rock anthem with dramatic vocals and prominent bass lines. If you have never heard of Xdinary Heroes before, this is their sound. This is what you get when you listen to their discography. The sixth track “Love in Dystopia” is a passionate break-up song. A new kind of vibe from Xdinary Heroes with shoegaze and an atmospheric alternative rock nature. A unique track with ethereal guitars and heavy textured layer, it’s a great song filled with heartbreak and a rollercoaster of emotions.

Last but not least, the final track on the album, “Breathe In, Breathe Out”. This song is a perfectly short and sweet ending to the album. With its angelic vocals and rifts, it is an ethereal song that starts off with choir-like vocals and a more acoustic instrumental. This ballad is fleeting, but offers a perfect conclusion to this amazing mini album and the emotional journey that we were taken through. 

Impulse is an album that is overflowing with emotions, emphasizing the ups and downs that come with love and relationships. It’s a romantic rollercoaster and I’m all here for it. If you have a chance, definitely take the time to give it a list.