J-pop promotion schedules generally is a bit bizarre, particularly when in comparison with Okay-pop’s tightly-wound logistics. &TEAM’s new single doesn’t formally come out till subsequent week (at which level the total music video might be unveiled), however they’ve pre-released it alongside a efficiency video at the moment. Because the full audio is out, this appears nearly as good a time as any to write down concerning the music.

&TEAM have slowly crept as much as being one among my present favourite acts on the energy of their more and more nice singles run. I like them greatest when performing upbeat, anthemic materials (b-side Massive Suki is a serious jam in case you missed it), however they debuted with a darker, rock-meets-rap sound. Go In Blind is a throwback to that aesthetic, eradicating buoyancy for grittier textures. Unsurprisingly, I like this lower than pleasure bombs like Aoarashi or pounding rock tracks like Yukiakari, however the music has its charms.

Opening with a catchy guitar riff, Go In Blind strikes right into a stuttering verse underlined by lure percussion. Issues enhance as we hit the melodic pre-chorus. That is the music’s most memorable second and is over means too quickly. In distinction, the refrain feels too restrained for its personal good. The instrumental beefs up, however the melodies lack the standard spark I affiliate with &TEAM’s music. The bombast of the association pulls this over the road, however should you’re going to go together with a extra brittle association, you want the sort of killer hooks that fueled their early-2025 spotlight Deer Hunter.

Grade: B-