Song Review:: xikers: House of Tricky: Watch Out- Sandcastle

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  • Release date: 2024 September 06
  • Album tracklist: Watch Out, Witch, BACK OFF, Bittersweet, Sandcastle, Hang Around

  • Album runtime: 17 minutes

 Did my favorite track from the album get a video? Yes, indeed it did, which means it qualifies for a review. Also, I apparently decided on this one as my favorite right at the moment of writing this, so yay, me? But mostly yay, roadys!

In the world of xikers's discography, a mellow instrumental track is a rare thing, which makes it all the more precious. The thumping of the drums is notable during the chorus and the refrain especially, because of their prominence. Even though there is percussion in other sections, the drums here go hard and there's very little else happening in the instrumentals to take away from that sound, as well as their voices. It's a xikers song so it can't be completely mellow (at least not yet, I'm waiting for a ballad), but it's mellow enough that this is their hug song.

In light of the fact that Junghoon has now been on his medical hiatus for (checks calendar) 1 year 7 months give or take a few days, the line "When we stick together, nothing can break our bond we made" hits all the more strongly. I miss that kid, and I wasn't even around for the month he got to be an idol. I'm glad KQ isn't bringing him back early to risk reinjury though, and I'm also glad that he hasn't been forgotten (refer to the MV for the title track, there are ten lights representing the ten members), but I really want more frequent updates on him. Speaking of the lyrics, the little I understand of the Korean is really pretty, and if the English translation is accurate, then wow, this is a gorgeously written song, and filled with so much emotion. Lyrical songs are my favorite, especially the ones that tell a story, with longer verses and shorter choruses. And the story this song tells. One of my favorite parts is that our industrious leader, Minjae, actually sings instead of spending all his time rapping. The first time I heard him sing was on a live this summer, and I believe I threw a pillow and started yelling about how good his voice is and how much I want him to sing in more songs. Same with Sumin. Absolutely gorgeous voice. I'm glad they like rapping, but please give us more singing. I want a xikers ballad in an album. Just one. Songs like this one just fuel that desire.

THEY LEFT A SPOT FOR JUNGHOON. AND IT'S THE THUMBNAIL. 😭 I know emojis are horribly unprofessional, but I really don't think I care at this moment. I really love that they reserve the bright song for a special video for the fans. They started it with their second mini album, How to Play and Sunny Side. They continued it with Trial and Error and Break a Leg. And now we've got Sandcastle to join those ranks. Have a hug, friends.



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