HYBE’s Japanese group &TEAM has been constructing as much as their second album this yr, step by step forging a softer, extra melodic sound that labored significantly effectively on summer time singles Koegawari and Aoarashi. Earlier this month, they pre-released the wintery Illumination and now we’ve got title monitor Yukiakari days earlier than the discharge of the complete album.
This could be an excessively simplistic commentary and I don’t imply to pit teams in opposition to one another, however given the truth that &TEAM, TXT and ENHYPEN typically share related producers it seems like HYBE tends to dole out its strongest songs to one of many three acts every year. In 2024, &TEAM have been the beneficiaries. Aside from is efficiency in Japanese, Yukiakari may have been delivered roughly the identical approach by any of those teams. That’s not meant as a knock on lack of individuality. As an alternative, it’s a recognition that the tune itself is powerful sufficient to be nearly “plug and play.”
Extra importantly, Yukiakari works as a pure climax to &TEAM’s yr. Its atmospheric sound, chugging guitar and melodic peaks recall previous singles however pull them collectively into one thing extra anthemic. It’s a very good match for the group’s gentle, ethereal tones. This mix feels dreamlike and barely otherworldly, imbuing a really simple monitor with further texture. The refrain swoops by two distinct melodic segments, taking its time to supply a sustained sense of launch. The association may stand to be a bit extra distinctive, however general this can be a particular hit.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
Grade: B