It’s been a while since I’ve written about Xdinary Heroes. This is in part a consequence of being inactive in this blog, but also because I haven’t bothered to keep up with their recent releases. I liked ‘Test Me’ quite a bit at release, which I even reviewed a while back in this blog’s early days. Their latest digital single ‘LOVE and FEAR’, showcases Xdinary Heroes as a group worth coming back to.
My first exposure to rock was in the form of epic, larger than life, anime openings as a kid. ‘LOVE and FEAR’ immediately struck a chord with me for it has the same qualities. This is most apparent in the chorus- where a certain level of distortion was employed along with an unwavering commitment in the vocal delivery. Along with the clever choices of chords in that first phrase of the chorus, it immediately triggers a rush of cathartic emotion. Even though it hasn’t been long since I’ve listened to this song, this chorus has already cemented itself as one of my favourite choruses of the year.
The chorus alone doesn’t make the song as great as it. The intro immediately captivates with a stacked chorus vocal, giving a base for the instruments to gradually come in. It is extremely apparent that there was thought put into the song’s composition, as the different instruments come together in an unusual way, utilising the offbeats in a way that makes it sound novel. The instruments don’t always come in right where you would expect them to come in, and it’s really refreshing.
If one has read my blog since the beginning, I am always biased towards dynamic songs. ‘LOVE and FEAR’ offers variations in textures, soundscapes, volumes, and distortion as it traverses from section to section, playing with fullness and emptiness in the soundscape as they please. It feels very intentional, a sign of their growing artistry. I can palpably feel how much they have grown ever since ‘Test Me’
If anything, I somewhat resent how abruptly the song ends, yet I can’t be too mad at it either. I’m already quite happy. Also, I will also review ‘LOVE and FEAR’s preceder, ‘BOYCOMICS’, at some point. I’m all aboard the Xdinary Heroes train.
Hooks – 9
Production – 9
Vocal Delivery – 9
Overall – 9
K-pop Evaluated 
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