xikers Make Japanese Debut with “Tsuki (Lunatic)”
Coming off the heels of their first fanmeeting in Japan, KQ Entertainment’s 10-piece K-pop boy group, xikers, are back with their first Japanese release. On August 7, members MINJAE, JUNMIN, SUMIN, JINSIK, HYUNWOO, JUNGHOON (currently on hiatus), SEEUN, YUJUN, HUNTER, and YECHAN debuted their Japanese EP, Tsuki (Lunatic).
Come Alive at Night
Although it’s their first Japanese release, xikers came out swinging on both the track and the music video that was released alongside the EP. “Tsuki (Lunatic)” is an old-school hip-hop track, with a chopped and pitched guitar lick atop a kick drum with a snare-heavy backbeat. However, xikers make the genre their own with an electronic synth across the verses and bridge that is playful in a way the group is known for. The production compliments the intense rap and smooth but hard-hitting vocals to create a seamless track that is so characteristically xikers, albeit in a different language.
The group sing candidly about being selfish and going “crazy” when the night falls. As the moon rises, they forget all about the demands of their daily life and come alive in the nighttime — making them irresistible. The music video is simple, letting their vocals and choreography do most of the talking. The members don techwear with bright yellow accents which reflects the moon and night symbolism throughout, like the members resting on crescent moons and leader MINJAE’s batwing shaped cap.
The title of the track comes from the Japanese word “月 (つき)” meaning “moon.” While the term “lunatic” could have some negative connotations, the group uses it to come back to the original root of the word, meaning an individual that goes crazy when the moon rises.
Can’t Stop Thinking ‘Bout xikers
Following the title track is the smooth hip-hop track, “Cool.” “Cool” highlights the prideful nature of the group, emphasizing the fact that they know they’re cool and you’re addicted — that’s all there is to it. The track features an R&B-inspired beat blended together with the typical kick and snare of a hip-hop track, giving “Cool” an air of confidence as the group sings about their various assets. Xikers make it clear, however, that they still aim higher and higher, not stopping at just being “cool.” Listeners can’t help but agree with them when they boldly claim, “Can’t get us out of your mind […] ‘cause we’ve got nothing to hide, we can’t stop this vibe / We know we’re cool.”
Wrapping up the EP is the upbeat retro pop-track “Are you serious?” While the songs preceding it were hard-hitting and hip-hop heavy, “Are you serious?” showcases the more youthful side of xikers. In a world full of uncertainty, xikers hone in on the need for clarity. The track is all about defining the clear edges of a relationship before falling even further in love with someone. Sounding like it came straight out of a coming-of-age movie with its gentle vocals and cute lyrics to complement the bubblegum pop beat, “Are you serious?” tickles all the sweet parts of your brain.
Keep up with xikers by following them on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!
Interested in more Japanese releases? Check out our concert recap of PSYCHIC FEVER’s roadshow on Hollywood Boulevard here!
