Xdinary Heroes Capture the Emotions of Youth on ‘IMPULSE,’ Their First Album as a Five-Member Band

Xdinary Heroes channel the soaring hopes, anxieties, desires and impulses of youth into their new album. According to JYP Entertainment, the band will release their ninth mini album, ‘IMPULSE,’ on music platforms worldwide at 6 p.m. on October 12. Arriving about six months after April’s ‘DEAD AND,’ it marks their first album as a five-member lineup comprising Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han and Jooyeon.

At the heart of the album is a message about accepting emotions as they are. In a comeback Q&A, the members said, “We wanted to express the many emotions people experience through music, using ‘desire’ as our keyword. Whether those emotions are positive or negative, we hope listeners will accept whatever comes their way and avoid denying their own feelings.”

The title track, ‘Obsessed with Youth,’ explores youth and longing, singing of exhilaration, instability and brilliant moments that slip away. The members said they strongly connected with the coexistence of hope and anxiety, along with a desire to grow, while working on the song. They described it as “a song that feels like pouring everything you have into each moment of the present to reach the future you dream of,” reflecting their wish to share those feelings with others growing up alongside them.

Their approach also focused on who they are today. “Like the title track, we are experiencing a youth spent wavering between conflicting emotions, so we could immerse ourselves deeply in the process,” they said. With a brighter, more refreshing mood than their previous release, they brought out the natural energy of each member’s playing and vocals, seeking to express emotions unique to this stage of life, even with some awkwardness. They also promised to convey every moment’s emotion and intensity fully onstage.

The seven-track album features ‘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 to lyrics, composition and other aspects of production on the title track and several other songs, adding their own musical character.

The tracks span textures from powerful heavy rock to delicate acoustic arrangements. Gaon introduced ‘u and me in arguments’ as a heavy rock track with an explosive band sound, while Jun Han highlighted its gritty distortion and sharp, weighty texture. O.de said ‘Breathe in, Breathe out’ initially had a grand atmosphere but gained a more delicate character when reinterpreted with an acoustic arrangement.

The members also shared memories from the creative process and their anticipation for live performances. Jungsu said he felt confidence and relief when the central theme of ‘You Right There’ came together. Jooyeon chose ‘Give Up The Ghost’ as a song he particularly wants to perform in concert, hoping to share its live impact and fiery energy with fans.