Seven vividly colored creatures appear out of nowhere. None of them exist in this world, and each one stands for a member of XG. In the music video for “DEPENDS”, the seven members can’t stop chasing them, racing through four sets that each have their own character.
It’s a playful, surreal turn for the group, built on the idea behind the song: human emotions and choices don’t always come down to YES or NO. “DEPENDS” blends the nostalgic electropop of the late 2000s and early 2010s with R&B emotion, layered harmonies and shifting flows. It’s about someone who keeps moving forward without having every answer, and gives that uncertainty to the phrase “It depends”. The video draws the same line to XG, who have carved their own path through their own choices, with the members stepping past the camera and diving into one new world after another.
The styling carries the song’s refusal to follow rules. The members appear in colourful 1980s-inspired traditional looks, with ties worn in unconventional ways and directions. Then they switch to styling rooted in 1990s R&B and street culture, with bold animal and plant motifs that put each member’s individuality up front. Between the two, a dance break built on a powerful 2000s R&B and electropop sound shows off the group’s dynamic performance. The overall effect is slightly strange and chaotic, and completely free-spirited.
“DEPENDS” shares the single with “S.A.D”, which sets early 2000s R&B against a modern rhythm section. Percussive beats and a nostalgic harp melody sit behind feelings left unfiltered, and the song is blunt about sadness. It never says whether facing it is weakness or strength, and leaves each listener to decide.
XG gave “DEPENDS” its first live outing at the Los Angeles stop of “XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE”, a surprise performance at Crypto.com Arena on 5 November to a crowd that erupted.
The group’s fans also got an answer to a puzzle. XG’s official Instagram account (@xgofficial) had drawn attention after suddenly following seven mysterious accounts. They are now confirmed as the members’ own solo accounts, all active:
The North American leg of the tour continues with Chicago on 9 November, Hamilton on 12 November and Newark on 14 November. It ends with “XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE FINAL ‘1’ & ‘7’” in February 2027, with two shows each at Tokyo Dome and Kyocera Dome Osaka, four in all, closing a world tour that has run for nearly a year.
After nearly a year on the road, where does XG go from here? As their new single puts it, it depends.
