[Review] ICU – Xdinary Heroes

Xdinary Heroes returned last month with their 7th mini-album, LXVE to DEATH, and the title track ICU. This new release follows their July digital single, Fire (My Sweet Misery), which has yet to be reviewed, and their March mini-album release, Beautiful Mind, featuring the title track Beautiful Life.

For my constant desire for hard-hitting, intensely powerful and bold rock music, Xdinary Heroes is one band that I can rely on to deliver on this craving. And they have done it again with ICU. Right from the start, the band launches us into some awesome shredding electric guitars and pounding drumming, hallmarks of a great rock sound. What makes ICU even more so is simply the fact that the members never let up this energy, and it continues through to the end. Then come the members, who charmingly take us throughout ICU through some really prolific vocals and rapping. I also really like how they are confident enough to hit the high notes and scream and shout when needed throughout the song, giving ICU an even more engaging profile. And the melodies give ICU a memorable tinge, which helps make the song even more appealing. The ICU‘s bridge is probably the most memorable part of the song, kicking off with a heightened rock instrumental break and then moving into chanting that further hypes the song.

The music video sees O.DE being taken to the hospital in an unconscious state for whatever reason. My best guess is that the members (with him in on the plan, given they all appear behind the medical staff) purposely put him in that state, so they could all make their way to the big cat figure in the sky they love (or worship/believe in – but I am saying love because it looks like O.DE is also lovesick and has a locket of the members and the big cat around his neck). They almost make it to their destination, but O.DE’s locket chain breaks, and the cat becomes upset at that. Instead of welcoming the members, it shoots lightning from its paws, waking O.DE from his unconscious state and leaving him disappointed. I like how another version of the members play the medical staff, causing chaos throughout the video. The fun video ends with a shot of the van upside down underwater, with music still playing.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9/10