X-5 : An interesting and "tall" addition to the Kpop world

The boys of X-5 --- (L to R): Ghun, Sul Hu, Haewon, Taefung / Typhoon and Zin

Open World Entertainment had recently debuted a new male idol group named "X-5", with their mini-album titled "Xenos". This album has been around for a couple of weeks now since they released their first album last April 21. I've been reading about how many people have swooned over these boys because they're all so tall (apparently their average height is around 186cm, which is around 6ft 1in in the standard scale --- whew!). Image wise, the guys are always well dressed, and are being marketed as an idol group defined by classic chic fashion.

Of course, no matter how well polished a group's image can be, it's always the music that will determine whether they're going to fare well and build up a good fan base. Let's see how well these guys fare.

The group is composed of 5 guys --- their leader is Ghun, followed by members Taefung / Typhoon, Haewon, Zin, and Sul Hu. It's a relatively young group with the members ranging from 16 to 22 years old (Ghun being the oldest, and Sul Hu the maknae of the team). Like I mentioned earlier, these guys are unusually tall for a male idol group in Korea... which I think was their main selling point. Just imagine seeing them beside a group like SHINee, right? They'd be towering over my boys! (Minho, who's supposed to be the tallest in SHINee, is around 181cm / 5ft 11in --- and Ghun, the smallest in X-5, is supposed to be 183cm / 6ft).

(L to R): Ghun, Taefung / Typhoon, Haewon, Zin, and Sul Hu

Whenever teaser images of X-5 would come out, they would usually be decked in either tailored suits or jackets. Being slim and tall the way they are, I'm not surprised that all the fangirls are going crazy seeing them on stage. I would have to admit that these guys have their charms... they have a very sophisticated look, and the images released by their agency, Open World Entertainment, helped solidify that impression.

Apart from the teaser images, anticipation was also built for their album, "Xenos", by their teaser videos for their first MV, "Don't Put On An Act", which were released a couple of weeks prior to their debut together with teaser photos on their official website, X-Five.co.kr. I was able to watch their vid a week or so ago, and it reminded me of "Y" by MBLAQ since it had a relatively similar theme (guy and girl in a relationship, but the girl decides to play around). What I liked about the video though was that they played around with the theme and juxtaposed on "May-December" relationships, since the lead actress feature in the video was visibly a very assertive, liberated and well-off "noona" (a girl a few years older than a guy, but the term is loosely used for both sisters and girlfriends --- but seriously, the girl sort of borders on being an "ahjumma" already! hehehe! But then again, I love independent women who know what they want... but playing around is a totally different thing). I loved the shifting-perspective and flashing transitions between the scenes (added sooooo much tension to the context of the video), and the ending just gives me goosebumps every time! (lead actor for this video is Ghun... I'd have to give him his props; he would do well in a drama!)

The song, "Don't Put On An Act", was interpreted very well by the MV --- focusing on the point of view of a man who feels that he's being taken for granted by his loved one, leading him to contemplate whether his partner was playing around with his feelings. It's an interesting dance electro pop rendition of a common theme in Kpop. Clean and crisp vocals were provided by Ghun, Haewon and especially Taefung. Zin and Sul Hu provided the deep and powerful rap. It's classic Kpop really... but what made the entire experience different were the visuals. The group is just real eye-candy... nobody can deny that. If you have talent and looks, why not flaunt both, right?

"Don't Put On An Act" by X-5 (MV w/ Eng Subs)

It's also interesting to note that the theme of the MV and the first song in the release is continued with the rest of the songs in the album, executed in similar fashion in dance electro pop. The story is continued in "Fantasy", where a man expresses his continued fascination with the object of his affection. This track is characterized by a strong R&B feel, with thick bass and drum beats. 

"Fantasy" by X-5 (Audio w/ Eng Subs)

"Don't Come Near Me", the last track, put slams down the hammer on this story by making a declaration of freedom from the captivity of one's feelings by realizing truth. Although the song is similar to the first track, what sustains my interest is the use of repetitive phrasing as a means of creating increased emotional tension. Vocals and blending for this track is also noticeably better compared to "Don't Put On An Act" (I guess the first song was meant to showcase talent, while this song focuses on fusing that talent together as a group). 

"Don't Come Near Me" by X-5 (Audio with Eng Subs)

This is an impressive beginning for X-5, since they were able to balance out their talents with a truly impressive image. Although, it would be interesting to see how X-5 would fare with more variety in their song selection. Right now, the album focuses a lot on dance pop... it would be interesting to see more variety in the future; they have that potential anyway since they have the vocal range necessary to make it in the Kpop industry..