I’ve been hot and cold on xikers’ music so far, usually finding at least one b-side I enjoy but often wishing their title tracks went a different direction. Making matters worse, I found the preview of new single Witch (위치) the least compelling clip on their album’s highlight medley, forgoing their freewheeling rock energy for something darker and more hulking.
We’re approaching spooky season, and Witch will be right at home during the month of October. The song opens with a horror show instrumental, setting the tone for the group’s most theatrical track yet. The rest of Witch feels much more traditionally K-pop than their previous work, down to the music video’s second-gen “box” set. Xikers are clearly capable of pulling off this conceptual switch, but a stronger song would have made the transformation more engaging.
As a group who lean heavily into hip-hop, Witch finds a new way to showcase that skill. It’s primarily rapped, but with lumbering phrasing that gives it an aggressive energy. Coupled with thick synth flourishes, the track feels both claustrophobic and commanding. The chorus is more melodic, though xikers’ performance is often perched somewhere between shouting and singing. I don’t find any of the song’s hooks particularly pleasant, but they succeed in creating a specific vibe. I imagine fans more inclined toward this sound will find plenty to love. Meanwhile, I’ll be scouring the album for music that hits the way my favorite xikers tracks have.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Why do I actually like this😭
I don’t usually like Boy group tracks and especially tracks like this but it works! 😍
8.5/10😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the production, but wish the song itself was more engaging. Also, the outro should have done way, way better (like make that video game sound sound more prominent, more bombastic than a complete switch-up)
Rating’s the same and the album, although decent imo, doesn’t has a big standout (but also luckily doesn’t has a Koong or Red Sun 2.0) nor sadly a Supercalifragilistic 2.0 (aka, my most played song this year, aka, the song for which I’ll forever be salty at KQ for not promoting it).
LikeLike
I take it back, the outro isn’t too bad (still wish for an alternate one). It’s growing on me (the outro). Rating’s still the same (ofc :p)
LikeLike
I don’t know why I enjoy this as much as I do, it might be because of the rap. Other than that it’s an earful in a neutral way
8/10
LikeLike
I like the spooky vibes and minjae’s voice. It’s a solid track
8.5/10 for me (9, 9, 8, 8)
LikeLiked by 1 person
i kinda like bittersweet more than witch; felt it furthered the punk energy more, but witch has its own charms too. i really like the chorus!
overall i love how cohesive the album sounds! sandcastle is another favourite
LikeLiked by 1 person
This brings me back, all the way back to 2021-2022 to the height of the shouty dark theme boys songs. but make it faintly Halloween themed. The video is themed, the audio not so much. The outro is a nice changeup, of short lived.
Maybe its time to do a top ten Halloween themed kpop songs. VIXX “Voodoo Doll” ranking high of course.
LikeLike
I already did! (But it needs an update)
LikeLike
I like this a lot, and Yechan’s baby DoHanse-ing really fits here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also a shout out to Li Young Ji’s Witch from last year? (Know your witch)
LikeLike
The vibe is good. The song? Meh
LikeLike
I love this! I like the wordplay and sense of mischief. The latter really comes out in performance.
LikeLike