Xdinary Heroes Returns: "We'll Show Our Emotions, Imperfections and All" [Q&A]

K-pop band Xdinary Heroes returns with a new EP exploring the excitement and uncertainty of youth.

The five-member band releases "IMPULSE" and its title track, "Obsessed with Youth," on Oct. 12. Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han and Jooyeon explore desire and impulse through songs about the emotions of youth.

The EP examines both bright moments and periods of uncertainty, encouraging listeners to accept their feelings and find their own way forward.

"IMPULSE" features seven tracks: "Obsessed with Youth," "Give Up The Ghost," "Slashhh!," "u and me in arguments," "You Right There," "Love in dystopia" and "Breathe in, Breathe out." The members contributed lyrics and compositions to several songs.

Xdinary Heroes has continued to expand its sound by incorporating different genres. The new EP ranges from powerful band performances to delicate acoustic arrangements, expressing a broad range of emotions.

Below is a Q&A with the band.

Q. "IMPULSE" explores instinctive emotions. What message did you most want to convey? How does it differ musically and visually from your previous album, "DEAD AND"?

Xdinary Heroes: With desire as our central theme, we wanted to express the wide range of human emotions through music. Whether those emotions are positive or negative, we hope people accept them as they are rather than reject their own feelings.

Whenever we release an album, we think about how to present a different visual style. This time, we aimed for a deeper atmosphere and a more mature appeal. You can expect a more refined sound and style compared with our previous work. We hope you look forward to it.

Q. "Obsessed with Youth" explores youth and longing, including the exhilaration, uncertainty and fleeting brilliance of being young. Which emotions resonated most strongly with you while making the song?

Xdinary Heroes: What resonated most was the feeling of being filled with hope while also experiencing anxiety. We also felt a strong desire to grow beyond where we are now.

The song is about giving everything you have in the present to reach the future you dream of. It contains a complex mix of emotions, and we hope listeners can relate to them.

Q. What did you focus on musically and on stage to express both the exhilaration and uncertainty of youth?

Xdinary Heroes: We are also going through a stage of youth where we find ourselves caught between conflicting emotions, just like in the title track. That helped us immerse ourselves in the work.

The song has a brighter, more refreshing feel than our previous release, so we focused on bringing out the natural energy of each member's playing and vocals. Rather than presenting a perfectly polished version of ourselves, we felt it was more important to express the emotions unique to this stage of our lives, even if we seem a little inexperienced.

On stage, we want that sincerity to reach the audience. We intend to share our emotions and energy openly in every moment.

Jungsu: When the phrase "you right there" came to us while working on "You Right There," I felt certain we had something that worked. It was a relief to feel that we had finally completed the song's central theme.

Gaon: I really like the line "I wanna hear your voice, calling my name" in "You Right There." I thought adding a twist to the lyrics would make the song more interesting for listeners, so I included "If i could." I hope that part leaves a lasting impression.

O.de: In "Obsessed with Youth," I am especially fond of the passage about all the seasons that have passed and all the youth that has been wasted, followed by "Keep me alive, yeah So I wanna be obsessed with youth." I think it best captures the emotions of youth.

"Breathe in, Breathe out" initially had a very grand sound. Reworking it with an acoustic arrangement gave it a more delicate and appealing character.

Q. Which tracks are you most eager to hear fans' reactions to?

Jungsu: "Give Up The Ghost." I am excited to see how its refined, grand atmosphere combines with our intense energy. I hope fans enjoy that combination, too.

Gaon: "u and me in arguments." It is a heavy rock track with an explosive band sound. It is a style I personally love, so I am very curious to hear what fans think.

O.de: "You Right There." Its relentless progression barely gives you time to catch your breath. I think it will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

Jun Han: "u and me in arguments." Its dark atmosphere and gritty distortion give it intense energy. I think listeners who enjoy a sharp, heavy sound will welcome it.

Jooyeon: "Give Up The Ghost." It feels as though it was created with a live performance in mind from the very beginning. I cannot wait to share that atmosphere and energy with audiences at a concert.

Q. You have performed at Lollapalooza Chicago, opened for British rock band Muse in South Korea and appeared at various rock festivals. Which performances stand out most in your memory?

Xdinary Heroes: Every performance we shared with audiences remains memorable, from Lollapalooza Chicago to opening for Muse at their concert in South Korea and playing at rock festivals.

Lollapalooza Chicago was especially meaningful because it was our first large-scale festival overseas and a stage we had dreamed of playing for a long time. The excitement and happiness we felt that day are still vivid. It is such a precious memory that we still enjoy wearing our Lollapalooza T-shirts.