&TEAM truly kept LUNÉ company all through 2024, and they finished up in December with a grand finale: their second full album, Yukiakari. Comprising of 21 tracks, including four brand-new ones, we were completely spoiled rotten! Not to mention, every single track is over three minutes long, which, in this time, feels like a miracle. The physical version of Yukiakari will be released in the States on February 7th, but it’s out on all streaming platforms now, and we can’t recommend it enough. Don’t believe us? Here’s our deep dive!
‘Yukiakari’
The album’s title track was the perfect choice for &TEAM’s final single of 2024. ‘Yukiakari’ is quintessential &TEAM, from the rugged emo-influenced guitar to the emotive lyricism. The song speaks of the members’ deepening bonds with one another and the hope and relief that comes after a painful time. The story is one of new beginnings, and we love how this intertwines with both &TEAM as artists and their lore.
‘Yukiakari’ (or ‘雪明かり’) means “light reflected by the snow,” which further exemplifies the message, with fresh, bright snow giving &TEAM the perfect clean slate… “Snow light guides the way, we’ll light up tomorrow.”
The music video is a wintery dream come true, too. And, as expected from this group, the performance is just simply stunning. The choreography moment with EJ and Taki really reminds us of ‘The Final Countdown.’ Combine that with the flashbacks to previous music videos, and our hearts can’t handle it!
‘Deer Hunter’
We’ve been hoping and praying to one day get a song like this from &TEAM! It’s safe to say that ‘Deer Hunter’ has very quickly become a favorite &TEAM track for not only us but all LUNÉ. &TEAM unleash their wolf sides – “Yeah, I’m a predator,” – and we’re obsessed with this energy. Plus, the choreography is truly out of this world. It’s giving Taemin’s ‘Move,’ and we wouldn’t make that comparison lightly.
‘Illumination’
Are you ready to feel merry? &TEAM are here with all the wintery Christmas feels you could wish for. ‘Illumination’ might be centered around the group’s lore, but in terms of the production, it’s more festive than most actual Christmas songs. It’s giving boyband, and we love it. There are also some gorgeous parallels to the ‘Maybe’ music video!
‘Crescent Moon’s Wish’
It wouldn’t be a full &TEAM album without a fan song so sweet that it breaks our hearts, and Yukiakari isn’t breaking that rule. With ‘Crescent Moon’s Wish,’ &TEAM say to LUNÉ, “I’ll be with you forever,” and we say it right back!
Samidare, Aoarashi, and Jyuugoya Tracks
And after winter comes spring, summer, and fall! &TEAM included all the tracks from Samidare, Aoarashi, and Jyuugoya on Yukiakari, and we’re so glad! It allows their seasonal storyline to be appreciated in all its beauty and intricacy. From Yukiakari (雪明かり), meaning snow-light, to Samidare (五月雨), meaning “May rain,” to Aoarashi (青嵐), meaning a fresh summer wind blowing through greenery, and finally Jyuugoya (十五夜), meaning “15 nights” or “full moon.”
OSTs
The next three tracks on Yukiakari were already released, too, but we’re so happy they’re now getting the attention from LUNÉ and &TEAM that they deserve! ‘Beat The Odds,’ ‘Feel The Pulse,’ and ‘MEME’ are all absolute bops, but our favorite is easily ‘Beat The Odds.’ The drum and bass track, whilst with a new sound from &TEAM, has the same relentless energy as songs like ‘Running With The Pack’ and ‘Road Not Taken.’
Korean Versions
As if all those masterpieces weren’t enough to satiate your thirst, then you’re in luck. To round out Yukiakari, &TEAM give us Korean versions of ‘Samidare,’ ‘Scar to Scar,’ ‘Aoarashi,’ ‘Koegawari,’ ‘Yukiakari,’ ‘Deer Hunter,’ and First Howling: NOW‘s ‘Dropkick!’ Hopefully that is a sign of more Korean music show performances in 2025, fingers crossed!
How do you feel about &TEAM’s Yukiakari? Are you, like us, feeling bittersweet about the seasons series coming to an end? We want to hear from you! Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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