Not only is it a busy day for K-pop comebacks, but we’ve got a few Japanese releases as well. xikers have already made their Japanese debut and are back with the poppy rush of second single Up All Night. This group’s sound has been all over the place, but I tend to enjoy their songs most when they’re anchored by big choruses.
Up All Night fits this bill even if it doesn’t sound much like xikers at all. This isn’t automatically a bad thing, as acts often target international work toward individual markets they’re promoting in. Rather than a specific market, Up All Night feels targeted to a season. It’s got a bright, synth-sprinkled summer sound that reminds me of many of my favorite boy group efforts.
If I begrudge Up All Night one thing, it’s the structure of its chorus. I’m so sick of the “anti-drop followed by big melodic flourish” approach. It’s become so predictable that it’s lost all its charm and simply feels ripped out of a guidebook on how to write a K-pop song. Fortunately, this centerpiece is surrounded by genuinely thrilling verses that see the energy amp up with plenty of gorgeous synth adding texture to the upbeat rhythm. I’d love to hear xikers explore this sound even further.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
