&TEAM’s pre-release Koegawari has snuck up on me to become a real sleeper hit this summer. I love the understated warmth of its rhythmic instrumental and the way its arrangement allows spotlight on the members’ vocals without needless studio effects. If Koegawari was a delicious appetizer, it’s now time for the main course. Aoarashi is being promoted as the group’s proper summer single and takes a grander approach.
Looking at their burgeoning discography, Aoarashi feels like a mix of Koegawari and last year’s Firework, borrowing the understated energy of the former and the surging chorus of the latter. Despite its increased bombast, I find it slightly less successful than Koegawari overall, though my initial rating will be higher. It strikes a nice balance between “bounding” and “wistful,” with these two keywords seeming to act as guideposts for &TEAM’s general sound. Aoarashi‘s chorus is its definite standout, as the song gets lost in the aimless murk of its disappointing second verse.
Beyond this, Aoarashi is most impressive when stretching as high as it can go. An effusive bridge seizes the song’s full potential, leading into a final chorus that feels suitably anthemic. Rumbling guitar makes for a hearty base as the members’ lighter vocals sail over the top. It feels like &TEAM are starting to hone in on their own sound, forging another strong pillar in what has become a stellar year for HYBE-associated boy groups.
| Hooks | 9 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
Although I preferred Maybe to Samidare, and Koegawari to Aoarashi, Samidare really grew on me and I think Aoarashi will do the same. “Wistful” is definitely the right word for it, I feel like I’m watching a montage at the end of a coming-of-age movie.
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I enjoyed the song. Surprisingly, Koegawari has really risen for me. Maybe because I was almost half as-sleep when I first heard it, I kind of dismissed it, but my opinion has certainly changed.
Oh btw, IVE released a new Japanese song (it reminds me of Nine.i’s Turn it Off’ and NCT Dream’s ‘Moonlight’). In my opinion it’s reminiscent of I Am with a more airy vocal delivery https://youtu.be/SnuwpfOxP-o
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Will review the IVE song tomorrow when the mv’s out! 😉
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that IVE song is genuinely on fo their best. Its crazy to me that they kept that for a japanese release
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Another nice one from &Team – this one a solid mid-tempo.
High-end high-polish boy band from any country.
For me, it skews young. Meaning I am old enough to have lived through several generations of boy bands, starting with my little sister’s posters of NKOTB Joey in our room. This is the classic later release off an album, the slower one, perhaps deeper softer meaning, draws the loving fans in.
To go back further, this is the contemporary turn on a Monkee’s “I want to be free”. The &Team people have followed the formula perfectly. Also worth noting that the Monkees had the best songwriters, another trait that the &Team is mimicking well. Neil Diamond, Boyce & Hart, Carole King, John Stewart of the Kingston Trio. For that, full marks to &Team.
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