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Deadlock (EP)
Deadlock (EP)
from Wikipedia

Deadlock
Xdinary Heroes standing inside a silhouette of a door lock, with the title superimposed
Digital cover
EP by
ReleasedApril 26, 2023 (2023-04-26)
Genre
Length23:00
LanguageKorean
Label
Xdinary Heroes chronology
Overload
(2022)
Deadlock
(2023)
Singles from Deadlock
  1. "Freakin' Bad"
    Released: April 26, 2023

Deadlock is the third extended play by South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes. It was released by Studio J and JYP Entertainment on April 26, 2023. The extended play features seven original tracks, including the lead single "Freakin' Bad".

Background and release

[edit]

On March 6, 2023, the band announced that they plan to release a new album on April.[2] On March 31, Xdinary Heroes announced an album showcase for their upcoming album.[3] On April 7, the band announced their third EP, Deadlock set to be released on April 26.[4] On April 8, the promotional schedule for the EP was released.[5] The EP's tracklist was released on April 9.[6] On April 10, a live instrumental sampler video and a lyric spoiler was released.[7] On April 11–16, teaser images for the EP were released.[8] Visual samplers were released on April 17 and 18.[9][10] Two music video teasers for the lead single "Freakin' Bad" were released by JYP on April 20 and 21.[11] The EP's highlight film sampler were released on April 23.[12] The EP alongside the music video for "Freakin' Bad" was released on the 26th.[5]

Composition

[edit]

Deadlock consists of seven original tracks written and composed by the band.[1] According to Gaon, the EP's title was derived from the computer term "deadlock." The overall theme of the EP is "the chaos that someone experiences as the inner good and evil reach a stalemate that cannot be yielded to each other."[13]

The first track, "Come Into My Head", is a song that incorporates the genres of EDM and hip hop.[14] The second track and the lead single, "Freakin' Bad", features 808 bass with lyrics that captures "the many worries between hero and villain" and "the message to get out of the world that separates good from evil."[15] The third track, "Bicycle", is an alternative rock song.[16] "Checkmate" talks on "how to get through a situation where you can neither move forward nor back down."[16] The fifth track, "Good Enough" was written by the band's leader, Gunil, and Young K of Day6.[17] "Good Enough" is the band's first official English song.[12] "Man in the Box" is a song with lyrics about people who chose to "live in their own world," eventually turning into "monsters."[14] The last track, "Dear H.", is a pop ballad song with lyrics about "the painful feelings caused by wounds that people find difficult share with others."[18]

Promotion

[edit]

On April 22 and 23, the band held a showcase for their new EP as the start of their promotions for Deadlock.[19]

Track listing

[edit]
Track listing for Deadlock
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Come Into My Head"
Lee Hae-sol3:14
2."Freakin' Bad"
  • O.de
  • Jun Han
  • Jooyeon
  • Song Hee-jin (Solcire)
  • Kevin Oppa (Solcire)
  • O.de
  • Jun Han
  • Jooyeon
  • Song Hee-jin (Solcire)
  • Kevin Oppa (Solcire)
  • Young Won-hee (Solcire)
  • Kevin Oppa (Solcire)
  • Young Won-hee (Solcire)
3:03
3."Bicycle"
  • Jungsu
  • O.de
  • Jun Han
  • Song Hee-jin (Solcire)
  • Jungsu
  • O.de
  • Jun Han
  • Song Hee-jin (Solcire)
  • Yipro (Solcire)
  • Mogt (Solcire)
  • Yipro (Solcire)
  • Mogt (Solcire)
3:10
4."Checkmate"
  • Selah
  • Jungsu
  • Gaon
Selah3:27
5."Good Enough"
  • Shim Eun-ji
  • Lee Hae-sol
  • Jungsu
  • Jooyeon
  • Shim Eun-ji
  • Lee Hae-sol
3:57
6."Man in the Box"
  • Shim Eun-ji
  • Gunil
  • Gaon
  • Jooyeon
  • Shim Eun-ji
  • Lee Hae-sol
  • Gunil
  • Gaon
  • Jooyeon
Lee Hae-sol3:09
7."Dear H."
  • Jun Han
  • Song Hee-jin (Solcire)
  • Kevin Oppa (Solcire)
  • Jungsu
  • Jun Han
  • Jooyeon
  • Song Hee-jin (Solcire)
  • Kevin Oppa (Solcire)
Kevin Oppa (Solcire)2:57
Total length:23:00

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Studios

  • JYPE Studiosrecording (tracks 1–6), digital editing (tracks 1, 4, 5, 6), mixing (tracks 2, 3, 5, 7)
  • Solcire Studio — recording (tracks 2, 3, 7), digital editing (tracks 2, 3, 7)
  • Quincy Jones — recording (tracks 1, 5, 6,)
  • Studio-T — recording (track 5)
  • Glab Studios — mixing (tracks 1, 4, 6)
  • 821 Sound Mastering — mastering (tracks 1, 3–7)
  • Sterling Sound — mastering (track 2)

Personnel

Charts

[edit]

Sales

[edit]
Sales for Deadlock
Region Sales
South Korea[23] 131,871

Release history

[edit]
Release history for Deadlock
Region Date Format Label
South Korea April 26, 2023 CD
Various

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Deadlock is the third extended play by the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes, released on April 26, 2023, by Studio J, a sub-label of JYP Entertainment. The EP features seven tracks, including the lead single "Freakin' Bad", and showcases the band's self-produced style with all six members contributing to the songwriting or lyrics. The album explores themes of inner conflict and heroism, aligning with ' concept of "Extra-Ordinary Heroes," where ordinary people confront personal struggles. Tracks such as "Good Enough" and "Dear H." offer introspective ballads, while high-energy rock numbers like "Man in the Box" and "Bicycle" highlight the group's dynamic instrumentation. The release was accompanied by a for "Freakin' Bad", emphasizing the band's villain-hero duality and energetic performance style. Deadlock marks a progression in ' discography, building on their previous EPs Hello, World! and Overload, and reinforcing their position in the K-rock scene.

Background and release

Background

JYP Entertainment announced on April 9, 2023, that would release their third mini-album, titled Deadlock. This followed the band's second mini-album, Overload, which had been released on November 11, 2022, and marked a continuation of their discography under JYP's sub-label , preceding their fourth mini-album Livelock on October 11, 2023. The concept for Deadlock drew inspiration from the computer programming term "deadlock," which describes a situation where two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release a , leading to a standstill. This metaphor represented the band's exploration of internal conflicts, particularly the tension between , as members grappled with questions of self-identity and societal standards that create personal stalemates. In developing the EP, emphasized self-production to highlight their rock band identity. All six members actively contributed to writing lyrics, composing music, and recording tracks, aiming to infuse the project with authenticity and a rebellious spirit that broke free from conventional constraints. This hands-on approach under allowed them to deepen their musical expression following the foundational work established in Overload.

Release

Deadlock was released on April 26, 2023, through Studio J and . The EP was distributed in digital download and streaming formats worldwide, alongside physical editions available primarily in . The physical releases feature a and an 88-page photobook, offered in two distinct versions to provide collectors with varied artwork and content layouts. Digital versions became available simultaneously on international platforms including and , as well as domestic Korean services such as and . This release marked the group's third mini album, featuring the lead single "Freakin' Bad" as its title track. No vinyl editions were produced for the EP.

Composition

Musical style

Deadlock exemplifies a predominant rock genre infused with alternative and hard rock elements, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and subtle electronic accents such as keyboards and synths that add layers of texture to the band's sound. This blend creates an energetic and modern K-rock aesthetic, drawing from 80s and 90s rock influences while incorporating hip-hop rhythms and EDM undertones for a contemporary edge. The EP's production style underscores the band's self-composed approach, with all seven tracks written and composed by themselves, allowing them to highlight their instrumental prowess as a six-member rock group. This hands-on involvement results in bold, dramatic arrangements that emphasize live-band dynamics, including distorted guitars, prominent bass lines, and consistent percussion that drive the momentum across the release. Sonically, Deadlock features aggressive verses that build tension through intense instrumentation, culminating in anthemic choruses designed for broad appeal, seamlessly blending K-rock's raw energy with pop sensibilities. Tracks showcase varied structures, from chaotic rock bangers with feverish raps to more restrained ballads supported by minimalistic elements, fostering a psychedelic and experimental vibe. In comparison to the band's debut EP Hello, World! (2022), Deadlock marks an in intensity, shifting from gritty to a more introspective and boundary-pushing sound while retaining core rock foundations and introducing greater diversity in subgenres. This progression reflects the group's growing confidence in experimenting within their rock framework.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Deadlock revolve around an overarching theme of internal deadlock, depicting the psychological chaos arising from a between one's inner forces, as the band members described in an interview where they explored the desire to break free from societal standards of . This moral duality manifests as self-doubt and , with the EP questioning who defines , and portraying characters trapped in a hero-villain struggle while yearning for authentic self-expression. Drawing on the term "deadlock" for its title, the lyrics employ metaphors to illustrate mental and everyday conflicts, resonating with young audiences navigating personal turmoil in a digital age. In the title track "Freakin' Bad," the lyrics highlight unleashing inner demons, embracing a "born to be bad" identity beneath a facade of goodness, as the narrator declares, "Pretend to be good, but born to be bad," symbolizing rebellion against imposed norms. This track, co-written by band members including O.de, underscores personal storytelling through defiant lines like "I’ve got no limits, not yet," capturing the thrill and tension of rejecting duality for unfiltered freedom. Similarly, the closing track "Deadlock" intensifies psychological tension, portraying a trapped consciousness in repetitive conflict, with imagery of being "stuck" echoing the EP's core motif of unresolved inner battles. Across the EP, all six band members contributed to co-writing the lyrics, infusing K-rock with intimate narratives of self-confrontation, as seen in tracks like "Bicycle," where metaphors of riding toward "heaven, not hell" represent escaping hesitation and moral constraints. This collaborative approach emphasizes raw emotional arcs, blending everyday rebellion with profound self-doubt to create a cohesive exploration of human complexity.

Promotion

Lead single

"Freakin' Bad" served as the lead single for ' third mini-album Deadlock, released simultaneously with the EP on April 26, 2023, by and . The track embodies the EP's intensity, blending aggressive guitar riffs and pounding drums to capture a sense of rebellious energy, positioning it as a key teaser for the album's overall sonic direction. The music video for "Freakin' Bad," directed by 725 and produced by SL8 under chief Seunghyeon Jo, premiered on the same day and features high-energy visuals that highlight the theme of inner turmoil through chaotic, edgier . It incorporates dynamic performance shots of the band amid distorted, surreal environments, interspersed with elements depicting personal conflict and defiance, enhancing the song's portrayal of embracing one's darker side. To build anticipation, released teaser content for the single from April 17 to 20, 2023, including individual visual samplers on April 17–18 showcasing the members in intense, hard rock-inspired settings, followed by the first teaser on April 19 and the second on April 20. These clips effectively previewed the EP's rock-driven aesthetic without additional B-sides or remixes exclusive to the single release.

Promotional activities

To promote the EP ahead of its April 26, 2023 release, Xdinary Heroes released a series of concept photos featuring individual and unit images of the members, starting with Jungsu's chic and daring visuals on April 14, 2023. Similar teasers followed for the other members, emphasizing a rebellious and intense aesthetic tied to the EP's theme. The tracklist was unveiled on April 9, 2023, highlighting seven tracks including the lead single "Freakin' Bad." A comeback special live stream served as a countdown event on the release day, allowing fans to engage in real-time with the band via the official YouTube channel. Following the release, promoted the EP through performances on major Korean music programs, debuting "Freakin' Bad" on on April 27, 2023. The group continued with appearances on on April 29, on April 30, and subsequent episodes of and in early May, showcasing dynamic stage productions that amplified the EP's rock energy. Fan engagement included album signing sessions and video call events organized through official channels like the JYP Shop and global platforms. Winners for the fan sign events were announced for sessions held on May 7, 2023, where selected fans interacted directly with the members. Video call events were held via platforms like MyMusicTaste, with one having sales from April 10 to 25, 2023, and another from May 12 to 16, 2023 (event on May 20), targeting international participants and fostering direct connections with global supporters. For international outreach, the promotions leveraged for accessible content, including highlight samplers and full music show performances uploaded to the official channel, reaching K-rock enthusiasts worldwide. These efforts extended the EP's visibility beyond Korea through subtitled videos and global fan event entries.

Content

Track listing

All tracks are written and composed by members of in collaboration with external songwriters, as detailed below.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Come into My Head"Shim Eun-ji, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jooyeon3:14
2."Freakin' Bad" (title track)O.de, Jun Han, Jooyeon, Song Hee-jin (Solcire)3:03
3."Bicycle"Jungsu, O.de, Jun Han, Song Hee-jin (Solcire)3:10
4."Checkmate", Jungsu, Gaon3:27
5."Good Enough"Shim Eun-ji, Jungsu, Jooyeon, 3:57
6."Man in the Box"Shim Eun-ji, Gunil, Gaon, Jooyeon3:09
7."Dear H."Jun Han, Song Hee-jin (Solcire), Kevin Oppa (Solcire)2:57
The EP has a total runtime of 23 minutes. No bonus tracks or alternate versions were included in the standard digital or physical releases.

Artwork and packaging

The cover art for the Deadlock EP comes in two primary versions, A and B, each emphasizing dark, conflicted imagery that symbolizes the internal between . The designs incorporate abstract elements representing , such as chained and locked motifs, overlaid with stylized portraits of the band members to convey duality and moral ambiguity. This aesthetic aligns with the album's core theme of chaos arising from unyielding inner forces. The accompanying 88-page photobook serves as a central visual element, filled with thematic that blends a sporty high-teen vibe with , mad-art-collector and street-boy influences. It includes rebellious and mischievous shots of donning cute yet ferocious —such as bloodied rabbits and —alongside full and behind-the-scenes images from the sessions, reinforcing the EP's exploration of personal freedom from societal binaries. Physical editions utilize a digipak-style containing the , with random inclusions to enhance collector appeal: two photocards (selected from 24 types), one folding photocard (from 6 types), a four-piece set of mini lyric (in two variants), a door hanger (two versions). Pre-order bonuses featured a random limited-edition (from two types) and additional unit or frame photocards, all coordinated under JYP Entertainment's direction to maintain the good-versus-evil visual consistency.

Credits and personnel

Production credits

The production of Deadlock was led by ' members, who received composition and credits on all seven tracks, reflecting the band's emphasis on self-production for its rock-oriented sound. External collaborators from 's network, including Shim Eun-ji and Lee Hae Sol, contributed to composition and across multiple tracks, while specialists like Song Hee-jin (Solcire) and Kevin Oppa handled specific elements. The EP was overseen by , a subsidiary, ensuring integration of the band's creative input with professional polish.) Mixing duties were shared among JYP in-house engineers Lee Taesub, Lim Chanmi, and Shin Bongwon, who balanced the raw instrumentation with polished vocals. Mastering was primarily handled by Kwon Namwoo at JYP's facilities, providing a cohesive suitable for the EP's intense and introspective tracks.
Track TitleComposersArrangers
Come into My HeadShim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, JooyeonLee Hae Sol
Freakin' BadO.de, Jun Han, Jooyeon, Song Hee-jin, Kevin Oppa, Young Won-heeYoung Won-hee, Kevin Oppa
BicycleJungsu, O.de, Jun Han, Song Hee-jin, Yipro, MOGTYipro, MOGT
CheckmateSELAH, Jungsu, GaonSELAH
Good EnoughShim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol, Jungsu, Jooyeon, , Gun-ilShim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol
Man in the BoxShim Eun-ji, Lee Hae Sol, Gun-il, Gaon, JooyeonLee Hae Sol
Dear H.Jungsu, Jun Han, Jooyeon, Song Hee-jin, Kevin OppaKevin Oppa
Table credits sourced from official publishing details.

Performance credits

The Deadlock EP showcases the core instrumentation and vocals provided by ' six members in their established roles: Gunil handling drums, Jungsu contributing keyboards and vocals, Gaon delivering guitar and rap, O.de managing and vocals, Jun Han on guitar, and Jooyeon performing bass and vocals. Across the tracks, the band members share vocal duties, with background vocals typically featuring Gaon, Jooyeon, Jungsu, Jun Han, and O.de. On the lead single "Freakin' Bad," Jooyeon serves as the primary lead vocalist, supported by the group's collective instrumentation including electric guitars from Gaon and Jun Han, bass from Jooyeon, keyboards from Jungsu and O.de, and drums from Gunil. Session musicians augmented select tracks with additional elements; for instance, Jeong So-ri provided extra on "Freakin' Bad," while Young Won-hee (of Solcire) contributed keyboards on the same song. No other guest performers are credited for strings or effects on the EP. Recordings for the EP were conducted primarily at JYP Entertainment's studios in , with supplementary sessions at Solcire Studio.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

Deadlock debuted at number 8 on South Korea's for the tracking week of April 23–29, 2023, selling 93,891 copies during that period. It subsequently peaked at number 17 on the monthly for April 2023, with total sales of 93,891 copies for the month. The EP charted for multiple weeks on the following its release. In , the EP debuted at number 216 on the Weekly Album Chart for the week ending May 15, 2023, with 176 copies sold. The EP's peak on the occurred in its debut week on April 29, 2023, and it spent at least four weeks on the chart based on subsequent sales data.
Chart (2023)Peak position
(South ) [weekly]8
(South ) [monthly]17
Weekly Album Chart ()216

Sales and certifications

Deadlock recorded strong initial sales in , with first-week shipments reaching approximately 100,000 units according to data. By the end of its first month, the EP had accumulated 93,891 physical copies sold on the . Overall, Deadlock achieved total physical sales of 131,871 copies in as tracked by the through the first half of 2023, with cumulative sales remaining at 131,871 as of January 2024. These figures reflect shipments minus returns and contributed to the EP's position on the 2023 year-end rankings. Regarding certifications, Deadlock did not receive any official certifications from the Circle Chart, as it did not reach the threshold of 250,000 units. International sales were modest and not separately tracked in major markets.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon its release in April 2023, Deadlock received generally positive reviews from and music critics, who praised ' continued evolution in blending rock elements with innovative production. The EP was lauded for its energetic tracks and thematic cohesion. Critics highlighted the band's successful fusion of K-rock with psychedelic and alternative influences, noting the EP's from high-energy bangers to emotional ballads. The title track "Freakin' Bad" was frequently commended for its catchy piano-driven hook and rebellious attitude, while "" stood out for its fresh rhythm and exceptional guitar work. Strong vocals, particularly the and harmonies in "Good Enough," were seen as a highlight, showcasing the members' growth in emotional delivery and versatility. Production quality was another key strength, with reviewers appreciating the layered soundscapes and genre-blending experimentation that pushed boundaries within K-rock. One critic described the as mesmerizing listeners on a "dizzying journey into a psychedelic wonderland of sound," emphasizing its bold aesthetics. A few reviews pointed to minor criticisms, such as occasional over-reliance on intensity in certain tracks, leading to less variation in pacing. For instance, "checkmate" was noted for lacking edge despite solid vocals, and "" was suggested to require multiple listens to fully appreciate its unique tone. Overall, Deadlock was viewed as the band's strongest mini-album to date, demonstrating significant growth since their debut.

Fan and commercial impact

The release of Deadlock significantly amplified fan engagement for , with the title track's "Freakin' Bad" music video accumulating millions of views on as of November 2025, reflecting sustained interest in the band's dynamic visuals and rock-infused performance style. On platforms like (now X) and , fans actively participated in promotional trends, such as the #XH_Deadlock_the_world, fostering a dedicated community around the EP's themes of inner conflict and redemption. This enthusiasm extended to fan-driven content, including covers and reaction videos, which highlighted the EP's appeal to both audiences and rock enthusiasts seeking genre-blending innovation. Deadlock marked a pivotal career milestone for , solidifying their position as pioneers in the K-rock niche within the broader landscape by merging elements with idol structures, as evidenced by their subsequent global expansions. The EP's success paved the way for high-profile tours, including the 2025 Beautiful Mind World Tour, which kicked off in and extended to and , drawing larger crowds and affirming the band's live performance prowess. It also directly influenced follow-up releases, such as the 2025 mini album Beautiful Mind, which built on Deadlock's narrative depth and experimental sound to further elevate the group's artistic trajectory. Commercially, Deadlock contributed to the visibility of JYP Entertainment's rock-focused sub-label , positioning it as a hub for hybrid rock acts in and inspiring similar genre fusions in releases from 2023 to 2025, such as those incorporating punk and metal influences in boy group projects. The EP's long-term metrics underscore its enduring legacy, with the album amassing millions of streams on —part of the band's overall 370 million total streams by late 2025—and earning recognition in fan-voted lists like Rate Your Music's top EPs of 2023, where it ranked among the year's standout releases for its cohesive storytelling and instrumental versatility.

References

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