[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Ah-jin] "How will we broaden our musical spectrum?" (UMUTI)

XLOV has taken on a new challenge. With a double title track, they reveal contrasting charms. They have prepared a wide range of music, from Oriental colors to ethereal atmospheres.

They challenged their most intense concept yet. They led with bold sounds and lavish performances. They completed a unique yet beautiful color that only they can express.

For the first time since debut, they also showcase unit tracks. The members formed teams of two. Each member displayed their vocal capabilities and musical individuality that they have built up.

XLOV held a showcase on the 28th at Cube Convention Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of their mini third album 'i=!' (i equals i).

'i=!' is an album themed on life choices. The members face moments of choice under irresistible forces. In the process, they feel fear, terror, and confusion.

It continues the worldview from the previous work. Previously, using chess's "pawn promotion" as material, they conveyed the message that even the weakest being can be reborn as desired. This time, they focused on the choice that must be made at a crossroads.

UMUTI said, "It started from imagining what if I had made a different choice in life," and explained, "While the result is unknown no matter what choice is made, we wanted to express the various emotions felt in that process."

A total of eight tracks are included. These include 'Hush', 'Two Gem Chiwawa', 'Cat Muve', 'All Tied Up', 'Silence', and others. Also included are a speed-up version and instrumental of 'Two Gem Chiwawa', and an instrumental of 'Hush'.

They chose a double title track. 'Hush' and 'Two Gem Chiwawa'. UMUTI added, "We prepared a double title track to express different crossroads."

'Hush' reinterprets Oriental sound in a contemporary way. Restrained tension is the characteristic. The lyrics deal with the duality of life and the contradictory beings within it.

UMUTI said, "We also embedded XLOV's own beauty within a dark and terrifying atmosphere," and revealed, "We put a lot of thought into how to express this."

There was also a reason for bringing the Oriental atmosphere. UMUTI said, "We are grateful that fans from the Western world are showing us much love," and added, "Since all members are from the East, we wanted to promote Eastern beauty with our strength."

The choreography harmonizes sharp group formations with elegant lines. In particular, the continuous spinning movements in the chorus are the point. Rui emphasized, "The chorus is 34 seconds, and within that we spin 8 times."

Special costumes appear in the music video. Rui's mother, who majored in dance, personally made a 'shuisui', a Chinese traditional dance costume. UMUTI hinted, "It suits well with the choreography that has lots of rotation and arm movements."

The other title track 'Two Gem Chiwawa' combines dream core and hyperpop. It features a dreamy and distorted sound. The lyrics contain the desire to be loved even in dreams.

It was inspired by a novel UMUTI read. He said, "I wrote the lyrics based on a story of a young wolf separated from the pack growing up among chihuahuas. I wanted to express the emptiness contained within a bright exterior."

The performance's key point is facial acting. Haru said, "There is choreography inspired by various emojis," and urged, "Please pay attention as we continuously change our expressions."

The members also challenged unit tracks. Haru and Rui matched their breath with 'All Tied Up'. UMUTI and Hyun sang 'Silence' together.

In particular, 'Silence' is a rare lyrical song in an XLOV album. UMUTI was confident, saying, "You will be able to see Hyun and my technical vocals."

XLOV also performed the double title track stages that day. 'Hush' was intense from the start. Rui bent deeply from the waist in the first verse, nearly touching the floor. At the highlight, they showed continuous spins and sharp hand movements in sync with the fast Oriental beat.

'Two Gem Chiwawa' had a completely different charm. The members' refreshing vocals blended with the dreamy sound. Cute and bouncy choreography followed. In the final chorus, they captivated audiences with a group flexible backward roll.

Unfortunately, Hyun could not join the showcase that day. She suffered an injury during practice. She conveyed through a handwritten letter, "I prepared without any regrets. I am concentrating on treatment so that I can stand on stage with a healthy appearance as soon as possible."

Lastly, Rui picked "the most beautiful" as an adjective she wants to gain through this activity. She said, "For us, 'beautiful' sounds like 'being myself,'" and added, "I hope you will understand this sentiment."

UMUTI also revealed her values on the genderless concept. She said, "It doesn't mean 'try it like us,'" and exclaimed, "I want to show that there are various choices in life and to be an inspiration that broadens perspectives."

<Photo by Reporter Song Hyo-jin>