Photo credit to YX Labels.
&TEAM have released their second Korean mini album, ‘Mark On Me’, on September 8th. The album showcases the group’s vulnerable and emotional side through six new tracks. ‘Mark on Me’ almost feels like a continuation and builds off of their first Korean album, “Back To Life” by shifting the story from survival to love and acceptance while still tying in their revolving lore and back story.
The album moves between genres of pop, R&B, hip hop and even touches on a new pop-punk sound from the group. Each track delivers its own personality while keeping the flow of the album seamless and allowing the members to continue to showcase their individual skills.
The title track and first song on the album, “Mark On Me”, is the main centerpiece and focus of the album. It starts off with a soothing piano melody before growing into a powerful chorus. The lyrics of the song reflect on the desire to be accepted as a whole and that the other person leaves a “permanent mark” on their hearts. Compared to their past title tracks, this one focuses more on the members vocal strengths, allowing those creatives to take center stage throughout the song.
“Good Boy” is the perfect blend of rap, rhythm and dance that keeps fans alike on their feet, becoming an addictive song that is 100% going to be on repeat for weeks. This showcases more of &TEAM’s usual side we see with their albums – bold, commanding and high powered. After the album’s release, the group released a performance video for the same song, bringing that same energy and theme into the choreography and overall aesthetic. The video is full of black and white monotone scenes with members adorned in heavy metal jewelry, leather and the dark makeup we love to see from the boys.
The next track, “Love Jang”, brings out a more playful and romantic side of &TEAM, focusing on a youthful pop beat and an addictive chorus. The lyrics tie in themes of romance and heartfelt confessions, which is a refreshing middle ground for the album. The softer approach of this song also expands on the groups versatility. Being able to consistently switch between genres while not feeling like the album is being “thrown together” is so important within the music industry.
“Accelerate” continues the same tone as “Love Jang”, giving late night drive vibes and smooth R&B tones. The theme of this song is centered around the excitement of moving forward with someone, relationship or not, without really knowing where the journey will take you in the long run. This track serves as a great transition into the remaining two songs of the album, continuing with the theme &TEAM has represented since the start.
”Empty” would be considered the “heart breaker” of the album as this track is heavily focused on the emotions of feeling “empty” or “broken”, and there is only one specific person that comes to mind that can fill that void and they may not be available when you need them the most. Still focusing on the R&B direction of the album, this track is also more vocal based and allows the members to reinforce their talents and showcase their belonging within the industry.
Closing out the album is “Night To Howl”, touching on a brand new pop-punk genre for the group, but also keeping the same intensity that &TEAM is best known for. Fans alike have noted that this track gives off a “younger 5 Seconds of Summer” vibe – adding a mix of electric guitar and strong, heavy handed vocals, especially from member Maki. Branching off into a different sound in the last track of the album can sometimes be a hit or miss, but this ties in perfectly with their theme – showing the emotions that were once restrained can finally be “set free”.
The range of textures and emotions felt through this album almost feels like a high-paced rollercoaster, filled with drops, twists and turns, but then turns into a calm and smooth ending. Although each track presents a different genre, the storytelling of each song is so connected with one another, letting fans feel the raw emotions and feelings as they moved through the album. This album is another great step into &TEAM’s career, allowing them to expand and explore their identities without straying from what they know and love best.
If you are headed to Japan within the next six month, do not hesitate to check out &TEAM’s newest tour – Mark On You – featuring over 40 stops within Japan, going throughout March 2027.