Xtraordinary Girls, aka XG, emerged from the post-pandemic K-pop boom as a musical entity distinct from other fourth-generation groups: Though XG are based in Seoul and were launched within the K-pop system, the hip-hop and R&B septet is composed entirely of Japanese members who rap and sing almost exclusively in English. AWE, XG’s second mini album, continues to blur the cultural, linguistic and musical boundaries of the global pop scene. “What is it? K-pop or J-pop? Or they not? Or they rap?/Please know that/We give thanks to hip-hop,” Japanese artist Awich raps on the previously released cypher “WOKE UP REMIXX”, which notably does not include any of the XG members but rather a who’s who of Korean and Japanese hip-hop stars. When Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona are front and centre on the eight-track album, it’s often to lean further into the wolf imagery also at the thematic core of their first world tour. “So don't play with us/Could be dangerous,” lead single “HOWLING” warns as it simultaneously welcomes listeners in with an “ah-woo” and a rubbery bass. “So run if you hear the sound/’Cause that's how we howl.”