Xikers Escape the Ordinary in Fourth EP “HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT”

Summer might not be over but ready or not, xikers are bringing in the spooky season. KQ Entertainment’s 10-piece K-pop boy group xikers are back with their fourth addition to their HOUSE OF TRICKY album series. On September 6, members MINJAE, JUNMIN, SUMIN, JINSIK, HYUNWOO, JUNGHOON (currently on hiatus), SEEUN, YUJUN, HUNTER, and YECHAN released their fourth mini-album, HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT. The mini-album contains six tracks including the double title tracks, “WITCH” and “Bittersweet.”

I Know Your 위치

The album opens with the taunting introduction, “WATCH OUT,” a track that is predominantly instrumental as it sets the tone for the album. It transitions smoothly into the title track “WITCH.” “WITCH” is a play on the english word “witch” and the korean romanized word for location, “위치.” Those with a sharp ear will recognize “WITCH” immediately from the group’s prior album, Trial and Error. The instrumental for the title track as well as a few lyrics were teased in the intro track “Trial and Error (whereabouts).” Many fans speculated whether or not the track was a teaser since KQ Entertainment is known for teasing new projects on previous albums with labelmate ATEEZ. Looks like they were right!

“WITCH” is an ominous hip-hop track with elements of pop and dark electronica. The production is almost theatrical, with an unnerving synth, boosted bass, and deep, brooding vocals. “WITCH” is something we haven’t seen from xikers since their debut album, but this dark concept suits them well.

The track opens with that creepy beat and warped lyrics that brings you right back into their world. While the rappers showcase their talent with creative wordplay and complex flow, so do the vocalists of the group. From YUJUN and SEEUN’s sweet vocals in the intro to HUNTER’s gritty and raspy singing in the chorus, the vocalists showcase their dynamic talent. But don’t get too comfortable, because the remaining minute and a half of the track will take you on a trip. The beat slows down to a full-blown hip-hop breakdown, leaving you wanting more by the end. 

At face value, “WITCH” is just an addicting hip-hop track, but long-time fans know that this track dives into the group’s lore. It was teased that this album would follow the story of the NAMoo, a tree that functions as a data library that hosts “coordinates” embedded in your DNA to prevent unnecessary choices. It depicts a dystopian society where all your choices are predetermined by your coordinates so that you can lead a seemingly perfect life. In “WITCH,” the members are given their coordinates, but are still defecting. They are told that no matter how they try to deviate or run, their defection is a “Virus.” Since the NAMoo knows their coordinates, they will always end up back at the start. 

The tale is complex and the visuals of the music video encapsulate that. From stuffy suit uniforms as they’re forced to confirm to patchwork suits as they try to find their way through an endless maze. The music video feels as suffocating as the society they’re stuck in. And nothing sums up the helpless nature of the track than JUNMIN’s gentle voice taunting, “No matter how much you struggle in this trap, you’ll end up back at the starting point.” 

You’ll Want to Come Back to Tricky House

Following the title is “BACK OFF.” The third track of the album is a page directly out of xikers’ favorite book – old school hip-hop. Rightfully so because it’s a genre that suits them. Leader and main rapper MINJAE starts off the track, followed by vocalist and sub-rapper SEEUN with the catchy chorus. The track is all about requesting others to pay attention to xikers because their energy is explosive. They break through standards and create new ones, and they’re experts at their craft. SUMIN puts it best when he asserts “Don’t ever look over me,” followed by MINJAE shouting “So back off, why do you hold on so hard?” 

Next up is the other title track, “Bittersweet.” Featuring a punk rock sound that they first tested out with “DO or DIE,” “Bittersweet” is loud and menacing, a perfect representation of the versatility xikers are known for. “Bittersweet” itself continues the storyline in “WITCH.” In the music video, they showed off the members clad in vibrant and quirky outfits destroying the coordinates distributed by the NAMoo. They make it clear that this utopic lifestyle that is trying to be forced on them is just a farce. They would rather destroy it than to succumb to its ways. The lyrics are as dramatic as its production, with the group singing about being drawn into something sweet and enticing, yet dangerous, in a playful and ominous environment – the Tricky House. If you’re a fan of punk rock but can’t pass up that juicy lore, then “Bittersweet” is perfect for you.

The vibe takes a complete 180 with the fifth track,“Sandcastle.” Reminiscent of their more emotional songs like “HOMEBOY” and “Break A Leg,” “Sandcastle” is a nostalgic track with a bubbly production, heavy bass, and soft vocals. It’s a genre they’ve never tried with a typical Jersey Club beat that adds an air of youthfulness to the track. The members sing candidly over the distant sound of a ticking clock about cherishing every moment. Once they grow up, they might not hold the same weight. They want to build a sandcastle of their memories, a fictional place they can return to anytime, where the sandcastle will weather any storm. So long as they have their memories, they’ll never forget all they’ve endured.  It feels almost like a gift to road𝓨, the group’s fanbase, as they reassure “When we stick together, nothing can break our bond.” 

Bringing the album to a close is the final track “Hang Around.” It’s a groovy synth-pop track with bounce that fits perfectly into the group’s repertoire. In all their projects, the group has made it abundantly clear that they know what they’re capable of. They’re confident and list their talents proudly, and that’s exactly what “Hang Around” is all about. It’s a fitting end to the album as they pull you in with the closing line “We got more to show you, so hang around.” Don’t you worry, xikers, we’re tapped in!

With the continuation of their HOUSE OF TRICKY series, xikers dive deeper into their concept with ease. The music video for “WITCH” garnered over 2 million views in the hours following its release and the teaser for “Bittersweet” hit 4.9 million views in just a week. Xikers are growing into their stardom with ease with more on the horizon. They’re a must add to your library, so make sure to WATCH OUT for what they do next. 

Keep up with xikers and their promotions for HOUSE OF TRICKY : WATCH OUT  by following them on X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!

Interested in more xikers? Check out our coverage of their third mini-album, HOUSE OF TRICKY : Trial and Error, here!