XG are back with their second mini album, building on the success of earlier 2024 singles Something Ain’t Right and IYKYK. Those two songs touched on the dancier side of their music, so it makes sense that Howling would move back into hip-hop. These seem to be XG’s two musical modes, with a healthy dose of r&b thrown in for good measure.
Wolf howls are are a tried and true element in K-pop and J-pop, and given Howling‘s theme I’m surprised the group didn’t time it specifically for Halloween. Much of the track has an ominous energy, particularly when underlined by its creeping guitar riff. These moments give way to a smooth pre-chorus, led by crystalline vocals and airy production. I like this contrast, but I wish the track found a way to merge these strengths into a strong, satisfying chorus. As it stands, Howling‘s centerpiece is its least interesting moment, mired by a dull trap beat and gimmicky hooks.
However, Howling succeeds on a purely textural level. There’s quite a lot happening within its instrumental and many of the sounds are compelling on their own. Given a more ambitious set of melodies, I could see Howling become a theatrical highlight. Right now, the track is a bit too subdued for me.
| Hooks | 7 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
The production sounds a bit muted imo, but I liked the rest of the track. Wish the hooks weren’t gimmicky.
7.75 (7, 8, 8, 8) for me.
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the best
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Despite the cool and icy texture of the song I found it pretty compelling, but I think I’ve just come to enjoy XG’s general sound. Also think their MVs add a lot to enjoying their songs, visuals are top notch.
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bye i gave it the same rating. (8,9,7,7) can agree the production was superior but i think that the melody can be more developed and the bridge feels like missed opportunities imo.
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had the exact same rating (8,9,7,7). melody could have been more developed and the bridge felt like missed opportunities imo. can’t find myself hitting replay since iykyk will go on repeat.
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The title and video styling are trying to give wolf but the song itself delivers puppy dog.
Its also about 3 weeks too late to the Halloween party.
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I really enjoyed XG’s output this year, they literally make me move and wake up the fan inside me lol! I loved this song too! I’m guessing they didn’t drop it on October (I agree with you saying it would’ve been a great Halloween release) because IYKYK was still very fresh.
I enjoy both of the sides they have shown so far (hip/hop and dance-pop) but since I’m much more into melodic rap and R&B I prefer when groups dive into songs in this style.
Their mini-album also has some great tracks, I think you will probably like “Is this love” because the chorus sounds really big. Interesting to hear them harmonize and sing together, as for K-pop and K-pop adjecent groups the usual thing is to have one person usually sing their parts alone.
A 10 for me.
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I have no words to describe the way my jaw DROPPED when I saw the concept photos for this comeback, and the video delivered just as much. Seriously, XG’s styling and creative teams need a medal. I like the song too, but I’m still not over everything I’m seeing in the MV. XG has consistently had amazing videos but they still manage to blow me away every single time.
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I want to second this, I really appreciate the standout styling that this group comes out with every time.
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Nick how you gonna review this non-kpop but skip Changsub’s excellent comeback
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Maybe it’s me, but for a wolf theme I expected a bit more, well…bite.
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XG’s music videos always surprise me more than his music
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