Since their debut, xikers have shared producers with agency seniors ATEEZ, making it difficult to truly climb out of their lengthy shadow. Oftentimes, they feel like a junior ATEEZ to me, but their team rarely gives them music as undeniable as ATEEZ’s best hits. Perhaps its not surprising that their biggest musical triumphs have stepped outside the expected framework into sounds that feel more unique to xikers. Sadly, that doesn’t happen on new single OKay.

Of all the new-gen K-pop groups who make boisterous shouting a big part of their careers, xikers are one of the shoutiest. They love an incessant vocal effect and a shrill shout-chant hook. Neither of these approaches work well for me and feel like easy (re: lazy) ways to connote a “badass” persona. To the group’s credit, their music is usually quirkier than straight-up posturing, but that doesn’t mean it’s always an enjoyable listen. OKay‘s shouted chorus certainly brings the energy and I appreciate the big wall of synth that underpins it, but something about the sound of those layered, whiny chants just doesn’t vibe with my ears. I find it more off-putting than exciting.

Perhaps if OKay had injected a bit of melody as contrast, its shouty bits would work better. But rather than offer a dynamic blend of elements, OKay keeps its energy pummeling all the way through. If what you’re looking for is the musical version of a Monster energy drink, you might find something to enjoy here. But even then, there are so many great energetic K-pop tracks that offer more variety in sound.

Grade: C