&TEAM said “One for all, all for one,” and we are all for this comeback! With their second release of this year, and their second single album, &TEAM has returned with Aoarashi. It’s also the second chapter in their seasons series, following spring’s Samidare. This time, with Aoarashi, &TEAM creates a soundtrack to summer! How they’ve managed to encapsulate the joy, hope, change, and catharsis that summer brings into an album with a runtime of nine minutes, we’ll never know.
‘Aoarashi’
The single album kicks off with the title track, ‘Aoarashi,’ a certified synth-pop bop. We’re about to make a big statement and hold this song to very high standards, but ‘Aoarashi’ is honestly giving us ‘Firework’ vibes. Maybe it’s the musical influences, or maybe it’s the emotion of the track, as it feels like a relentless chase. Either way, we love this title track. As always with &TEAM’s performances, the choreography is amazing, and there are a lot of moments reminiscent of ‘Firework,’ too!
‘Koegawari’
‘Koegawari’ translates to voice change, which &TEAM use as a metaphor for growth and the changing of the seasons. It was a pre-release and, to be totally honest, it’s grown on us so much since we first heard it. The track is brimming with catharsis and relief, topped off with a bright sunshine-y edge. ‘Koegawari’ has a big brass section as well as a lot of jazz influences, so we reckon K must’ve loved this one when the group first heard it.
Speaking of first listens, we’re absolutely dying to see footage of when Yuma was picked to sing “I’m not a kid anymore,” with Taki and Harua, instead of Jo (who is the same age as Yuma but technically a couple of months younger) or Maki (the actual maknae of the group). Sorry bestie, looks like you’re stuck in the maknae line!
‘Imprinted’
Despite the Twilight reference that immediately comes to mind, especially when you remember that &TEAM’s concept is ✨werewolves✨, ‘Imprinted’ is full of bright sunshine. It joins the likes of ‘Buzz Love’ and ‘Dropkick’ in the sub-genre of &TEAM’s discography that we like to call “Cutie Patootie o’clock.”
Our highlights include Fuma’s high register in the pre-chorus and Nicholas’ super smooth humming. &TEAM sing “Music I’m tired of,” but that’s certainly not how we feel about Aoarashi.
&TEAM On Stage
Overall, similarly to how Samidare was the blossoming of spring, this single album feels like it’s on a precipice or turning point. It’s still playful and exuberantly youthful, but it has a subtle coolness or charisma that feels like a new era of &TEAM. Honestly, it’s bordering on suave, TBH.
Watching the performance transforms each and every one of these songs. Always elite performers, &TEAM looks more confident and comfortable on stage than ever before. From casual mic flips to nonchalant shoulder shrugs, the choreography in this era shows a new side to &TEAM, who are normally very intense on stage. The performances are still as intricate as ever though, and &TEAM’s storytelling abilities just cannot be beat.
Are you as down bad for &TEAM and Aoarashi as we are? Which is your favorite track from this comeback? Let us know on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP, or over on Facebook or Instagram!
We’re the place to go for all your K-Pop and J-Pop needs!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT &TEAM:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | OFFICIAL TWITTER | MEMBERS TWITTER | WEBSITE
