Although they didn’t launch as a lot music as standard, &TEAM had a banner 12 months in 2025. They formally turned million sellers and made their Korean debut. This has appeared to mark a shift again into moodier music after their stellar, upbeat 2024 output. The group can promote these sounds convincingly, however I hope their elevated transfer into world territories doesn’t necessitate the sort of “darkish” (learn: bland) tendencies so many different world boy teams should conform to. Sadly, the trap-rock of latest single We On Hearth doesn’t assuage these issues.

We’re removed from the melodic heights of Aoarashi, Koegawari and Yukiakari, changed as a substitute by acquainted (learn: bland) phrasing that forgoes anthemic heft for flat “coolness.” Usually, when &TEAM take this route their instrumentals choose up the slack with large guitar riffs and theatrical bombast. With We On Hearth, every thing appears to be set at a low broil. Their trademark sounds are current, however on the most boring baseline you can think about. Throw a stone in any route of worldwide pop music and also you’ll discover a dozen of those uninteresting, trap-infused bops. Males in pop don’t need to be glitzy and glamorous anymore. The desire as of late is musical apathy.

So, what now we have right here is &TEAM’s worst single in years. As a part of an album, I may see We On Hearth working as nice connective tissue, however as a promoted observe it leaves a lot to be desired. Simply as I feared, by attempting to please a wider swath of the worldwide viewers they’ve resulted in music that thrills nobody. I hope there are higher songs on the only as a result of I really like this group and would hate to see their sound devolve into generic schlock.

Grade: C-