XLOV Evoke Beautiful Asian Horror in 3rd Mini Album "i=!"
XLOV has returned with their third mini album "i=!" on October 28.
XLOV, a group that has consistently broken conventions through bold experimentation and a spirit of freedom—delivering a diverse array of music and performances to K-POP fans worldwide now unveils yet another unique, immersive universe.
In their previous release, "I,God," XLOV drew upon the rules of chess—specifically the concept of a ‘pawn’s promotion’—to convey the message that even the most seemingly insignificant or vulnerable being can, upon reaching the end of the board, be reborn into the form they truly desire.
XLOV’s third mini-album, "i=!" explores the ‘choices’ we are compelled to make at every turn—often driven by forces beyond our control. It captures the fear and trepidation inherent in making such decisions, as well as the confusion that arises when a single choice leads to a radically different outcome.
But the concept goes a step further: since the worlds behind each door are distinct, if ‘I’ choose path ‘A,’ what becomes of the unchosen path ‘B’? Does it simply cease to exist? XLOV expands this narrative by imagining that the unchosen possibility does not vanish; instead, it exists elsewhere—meaning that another version of ‘I’ is out there, living out a different destiny along path ‘B.’ The profound connectivity and unique narrative that have unfolded since their debut single, "I’mma Be," have served to further solidify XLOV’s distinct worldview.
Leader and producer Wumuti oversaw the overall production, contributing to the narrative structure as well as the songwriting and composition. Hyun also lent his unique musical color to the project, serving as the primary lyricist for the unit track 'Silence'—a role he previously held for the song "HIPS." Furthermore, the members personally contributed to the vocal layering (chorus) on every track, further enhancing the appeal of each song.
'Hush,' the second track and one of the title songs on this album, it stands out for its restrained tension and bold sound design. A heavy, foundational bassline anchors the track, while intricate breaths and subtle nuances heighten the sense of tension and immersion. Furthermore, the track incorporates oriental motifs—reimagined through a modern lens as rhythmic elements—to create a rich, mysterious sonic palette.
The narrative explores the duality of life and the conflicting entities that exist within it. It is not only "deities" that guide us toward a righteous path; there also exist opposing, malevolent "deities" that amplify our worst nightmares. These entities cause trauma to take on a massive, imposing form—leaving one paralyzed, unable to move or utter a single sound. "Hush" captures this reality through the unique worldview and signature sound of XLOV.
The album also features 'Cat Move,' an electronic dance-based track that sets the stage; 'All Tied Up'—the first unit track by Rui and Haru—which builds intense tension through heavy bass and ethereal synth sounds; 'Tooth Gem Chiwawa,' another title track that blends a driving house rhythm with a dreamlike soundscape rooted in Dreamcore and Hyperpop; and "Silence," the first duet by Wumuti and Hyun, which weaves together warm, emotive piano melodies with jazz-infused R&B elements. With the addition of a sped-up version of "Tooth Gem Chihuahua" and the instrumental tracks for both title songs, XLOV completes an expanded universe that reaches well beyond the musical spectrum they have showcased thus far.
The group performed 'Hush' and 'Tooth Gem Chiwawa' at their comeback showcase. Member Hyun did not participate due to a leg injury.
