XXX

There’s a certain amount of pride in seeing artists you’ve watched grow get the recognition they deserve, even in small ways. XXX debuted at SXSW performing at the ScratcHouse, a medium-sized venue that houses a stage big enough for a DJ table and a back patio. Fast forward two years. They’ve matured in both sound and musical vision. Their growth doesn’t go unnoticed by the organizers. They land a spot on the largest stage for any Korean act at the festival: the Korean Spotlight hosted by Austin City Limits at the Moody Theater.

New Venue, Same Expectations

Like it or not, the opening four artists are opening acts to the “headlining” artists, Chungha and perhaps more relevantly iKon. The audience is mostly there for the K-pop. They’re gifted an array of artists that highlight just how wide the musical landscape is in South Korea.

XXX are in a unique position this year. Playing at a larger venue obviously means reaching a wider audience. It’s also an opportunity for them to get a taste of what it feels like to play for an audience mostly not meant for them. It’s in this aspect of their show that I get an immense amount of excitement.

Subdued Stage Presence

Full disclosure, neither Kim Ximya nor FRNK are performers. FRNK’s role as DJ affords him the right to stand behind his table without the expectation that he do more than curate the beats for his partner in rhyme. Ximya made it plain in their interview with us that he really doesn’t have much of a stage presence. However, any fan of the duo will already be privy to that fact. Ximya is used to standing relatively still on smaller stages right next to FRNK as he spins.

The downside of a stage like ACL is one’s forced to find a means to use the entirety of that space. An easy feat for K-pop artists groomed for performing on large stages (usually with backup dancers and/or other group members). But for someone used to relying on his skill and the back-and-forth between him and his DJ/producer, that kind of expectation can be intimidating.

I won’t sugarcoat it. This intimidation manifests throughout XXX’s set. Both Ximya and FRNK are very self-contained. They aren’t ostentatious and don’t give into the whims of many rappers and rap collectives of flinging themselves around on stage to get the crowd hype. This in turn means they inevitably have to make the music speak for itself.

As with the acts that precede them, there’s an undercurrent of intrigue running through the audience. On the heels of the emotional onslaught from rock/traditional fusion band Jambinai and the effervescence of electronica DJ KIRARA, the gentlemen have much to live up to. With the eerie soundscapes of FRNK’s music pulsating through the speakers, those in attendance are curious as to what that translates to as a performance. If they expect raucous bouts of showmanship, the reality shocks them, to say the least.

The Set

The duo presents a subdued front. Even with music blaring and shocking images on the screen preceding their appearance on stage, the two are mostly stoic. Ximya has a distinct voice, a cadence not unlike Schoolboy Q and a tone similar to early Eminem. Wearing an oversized black hoodie, a black cap covering his face, he goes to work without any fanfare or preamble. FRNK is in his own world, pushing the music out.

Banter between songs is kept to a minimum. They talk more between themselves than anything else. Ximya is fluent in English, but as if it was a means to keep even more distance between him and those staring up at him from the floor, he speaks exclusively in Korean. There are more people in the audience who speak at least a passing level of Korean than he expects. It alleviates his nerves. He does get a bit more vocal as their set continues. But ultimately it’s clear he’d rather be off the stage sooner than later.

XXX play songs mostly from their latest releases — “Language” and “Second Language.” The lyrics have a heavier bite than the singles that first gave them their notoriety. They launch into what Ximya admits is his favorite song from Language, “18G 1517.” While not wholly invested in the group because of their lack of showmanship, the audience lets loose a distinct collective gasp. Yes, the duo’s tracks played prior to their actual performance. But the emotions and the pulse of the music hit considerably harder now that they’ve hit the stage. Ximya has a tone that would take anyone’s breath away. FRNK creates beats that straight-up punch you in the gut. Without trying too hard, XXX have the crowd.

XXX move from one song to the next with little to no time in between. They run the gamut of their singles, each one harder hitting than the next. The audience isn’t quite used to the lack of interaction, but they can’t deny the power behind the music. Each track carries a heaviness that forces each person in the crowd to react. Every once in awhile I hear the girls next to me let loose a surprised, “Damn!” as Ximya tears into some of his lyrics. The crowd is anxious to get to the K-pop, but they’re helpless under the pressure of FRNK’s heady beats and Ximya’s aggressive delivery.

They round out their set with the single that launched them into public recognition: “Flight Attendant.” By this point, everyone in the front row is just shy of worn out. XXX’s music is a journey, one you have to travel uphill to reach its final destination. The payoff is worth it. The sinister creep of the music spills over the audience. After witnessing its grisly visuals on a big screen a few times while waiting for the showcase to start, the crowd is ready to actually hear what the song sounds like. It receives the most visceral reaction of the duo’s set. When they take their final bows, the audience shows them their due appreciation. Screams and applause resound, and the reluctant performers wave shyly before walking off stage.

Let the Music Speak

XXX manage to do what many artists might struggle with under less flashy circumstances. Make the music the focal point. With so much to draw the eye to (flashing lights, at times intricate choreography, sex appeal to get the crowd frenzied), contemporary K-pop acts often aren’t wanting for ways to engage their audience. A duo like XXX has a harder time ensuring the crowd remains in its pocket. Unlike KIRARA, FRNK and Ximya aren’t wont to dance or overtly interact with the audience. You’ll hear no entreaties of “Put your hands up!” or “Make some motherfu**** noise!” from these lads.

Instead, XXX opt to ride the wave of their tracks. There’s a thumping pulse to the music. A sound that gets stuck in the chest and sort of infects the body. FRNK is a powerful producer, something he’s worked at for quite some time. Ximya is abrasive and combative in his delivery, his voice a formidable weapon. It works for them.

XXX make music to express, plain and simple. Anything outside of that is a distraction. If you were there for the same experience as with a K-pop act (or even an electronica artist), you were in for a rude awakening. What’s unquestionable is that XXX demand your attention. Without relying on actual performance, they most definitely get and keep it.

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Article & Photography: Cy
Editing: Lena