As xikers soar into ROUTE ZERO : The ORA they find that they are no longer in the safety of the TRICKYHOUSE. Although the unknown surroundings catch them off guard, they're ready to own this new beginning with their trademark passion and fire.
The dectet embarks on a new era with their album ROUTE ZERO : The ORA, giving the chance for fans to uncover a more raw side of the group. The five track album delves into the group's expanding artistry and the growth that they have seen throughout their journey as xikers. Now, as they begin a brand new album series they unlock a new level set in a place with no coordinates and no clear distinguishable traits, beginning from "ROUTE ZERO".
They slam onto the accelerator, revving their engines with the opening track 'Ghost Rider'. The song's haunting melody captures the tenacity to break out of a mirage and see the truth for what it really is. The impactful hip hop beats reverberate as they fade seamlessly into the heart of the album.
The title track 'OKay' retains the same spooky energy with a chilling melody that's bound to linger long after your first listen. Drawing on their grit and rebellious spirit, the empowering lyrics sees xikers make a pledge to being the carefree and untamable bunch as they say "Brush off all them rules, call me paranoid, okay". 'OKay' rejects the constricting rules that society imposes, as the group fight to be their true authentic selves no matter what.
The music video accompanying the track captures the thrill of its untamable energy as the group comes face-to-face with supernatural forces inside an abandoned haunted house. Referencing the iconic psychological thriller Twin Peaks, the members dance through a long hallway draped in red curtains and lined with a hypnotic checkerboard floor. As reality begins to bend and terrifying visions pull them into eerie alternate dimensions, they remain unfazed, confronting each nightmare head-on without a trace of fear in their eyes.
They celebrate their escape from the cold grip of the haunted house with edgy laid back sound on 'Graffiti', exploring the joy of stepping into their newfound freedom. They highlight the tight-knit bond that the 10 members share with 'Trophy'. Last but not least, '문제아 (Outsider)' takes on a more alternative, indie rock sound that captures xikers’ fearless spirit and unwavering determination to forge ahead together.
With ROUTE ZERO : The ORA, xikers steps fearlessly into uncharted territory, embracing chaos, rebellion, and self-discovery with unapologetic confidence. Through its gripping sonic experimentation and cinematic storytelling, the album marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for the group, proving that even when thrown into the unknown, xikers thrive by forging their own path forward together.
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