New DNA
2023 EP by XG
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New DNA is the debut extended play (EP) by Japanese vocal group XG. It was released on September 27, 2023, via Xgalx, and marked the group's first album release since their debut in March 2022. Recorded in English, the EP utilizes hip-hop and R&B with musical styles such as UK drill and Jersey club. New DNA was supported by four singles: "Grl Gvng", "TGIF", "New Dance", and "Puppet Show". Commercially, it peaked at number one on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums and number two on the Oricon Albums Chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for shipments of over 100,000 copies.
Background and release
In late July 2023, the release of XG's debut extended play was announced by their label Xgalx for September 27. The agency noted that the EP would come in two different versions: "X", which "focuses on XG's mysterious and sharp" image, and "G", which "shows a pure and refreshing side".[1]
NME described the record as a "a menagerie of styles, influences and genres, coated with a cybernetic, bio-surreal sheen".[2] Wonderland expressed that the EP "symbolizes an evolution of the seven as a group, both imagetically and sonically, bringing references of hip-hop/R&B to their music."[3] The Korea Herald wrote that it "expand[s] on XG's sonic scape, weaving through multiple new genres the likes of UK Drill and Jersey Club to the group's essential hip-hop and R&B sound."[4]
Critical reception
Carmen Chin of NME gave the EP a rating of four out of five stars; in "X-Gene", she praised Jurin, Cocona and Harvey's verses as "exceptionally fluid", with "their voices and tones complementing each other as trap beats pulsate", and Chisa and Juria's "vocal prowess". She highlighted "TGIF" as a standout from the record.[2]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Hesonoo" |
|
| Chancellor | 0:57 |
| 2. | "X-Gene" |
|
| Chancellor | 1:25 |
| 3. | "Grl Gvng" |
|
| Lantz | 3:08 |
| 4. | "TGIF" |
|
|
| 2:51 |
| 5. | "New Dance" |
|
|
| 3:18 |
| 6. | "Puppet Show" |
|
|
| 3:19 |
| Total length: | 14:57 | ||||
Charts
Weekly charts
|
Monthly charts
Year-end charts
|
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (RIAJ)[13] | Gold | 100,000^ |
|
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | September 27, 2023 | Xgalx |