| Album cover of XG's first mini-album "GRL GVNG" / Courtesy of XGALX |
By Jung Han-byul
K-pop group XG has kick-started their much-anticipated comeback with the pre-release of their single "GRL GVNG." The track is set to be a part of their first mini-album, marking a notable step forward in their musical journey.
"GRL GVNG" was unveiled on Friday, stirring high hopes and excitement among fans for their upcoming mini-album.
XG members chose "GRL GVNG" as the title of their debut mini-album for the resonance it creates with the group's unique persona. As trendsetters in the hip-hop R&B scene, "GRL GVNG" is a prime example of the group's incomparable and uncompromising musical style. It is a reflection of XG's evolving identity, demonstrating its commitment to originality and creative independence.
"GRL GVNG" offers a distinctive auditory experience, characterized by the sounds of an intense siren that echoes the howling of a wolf, paying homage to XG's fan club, ALPHAZ. This sonic element seamlessly harmonizes with a minimalist trap beat and a vibrating synth bass that permeates the track, coupled with XG's proficient rapping and ethereal vocals.
The release of "GRL GVNG" marks the start of an exciting phase for XG as they embark on a journey to extend their influence in the global music landscape. The group has already gained considerable attention by securing a spot on the US "Media Base Top 40" radio chart for an impressive 13 consecutive weeks. In addition, their performance at the renowned "Head in the Clouds New York Music & Arts Festival" has further cemented their growing prominence in North America.
The pre-release track "GRL GVNG" from XG's debut mini-album is now accessible on various music platforms. As the music world eagerly anticipates the full release of their mini-album, XG continues to push the boundaries, setting new trends in the hip-hop R&B genre.
Jung Han-byul (onestar101@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.