Review: Xdinary Heroes - Happy Death Day

Sorry for the uneven posting, writing end-of-year lists can take a while. Anyway, Happy Death Day is certainly an interesting song to review. Xdinary Heroes are a rock band from JYP entertainment's rock division, and thus have a decent chance at eventual success. Additionally, they are opting for a punk sound when pop-punk is arising across the world.

Unfortunately, despite their promising teaser videos and individual talents, Happy Death Day really does not work. The verses are way too quiet, failing to provide much rock. Some lines are whispered, with only mild drum beats and small guitar notes. The group has three guitarists and two keyboardists, what are they doing here?

The chorus, on the other hand, is a disaster that deserves unpacking. It clearly is supposed to sound like teenage angst, but it does not feel authentic. Don't get me? The reason Calvin and Hobbes is a classic comic strip is that it showed childhood from the children's point of view. That is also why TXT's teenage songs work, they sound distinct like they were written from a teen's point of view, despite that not being the case.

On the other hand, the members of Xdinary Heroes had a hand in writing Happy Death Day, but it does not feel like the thoughts of a teenager from a teenager. The Birthday story is fine and fun, but some of the lines are so cliche they fail to make an impact.

Let us all talk about the "Tra La La" hook. Rather than a frustrated youth, it sounds like a dying battery, slowly falling out of existence while you scramble to pick up a new battery, but annoying you to death before that. Also, where is the melody here? It is all shouting without any heart or melody. Old punk could get pretty shouty, but it often had a reason for this. There is no balance for the screaming here.

Of course, it is not all bad. The pre-chorus has some great melody, and the lyrics, the section where the members were most involved, has some great lines. The group has potential, but this is not it.

Rating: 5/10

Image Source: Music Munidal