ATEEZ are out with their second full-length Japanese album today, compiling earlier J-pop singles alongside new material. After several years struggling to connect with their new material, the group’s two summer singles subverted expectations and caught my ear. New track Ash does the same, opting for a sleek dance sound I don’t always associate with ATEEZ.
Though ATEEZ debuted with a signature sound, their early work also bore a sonic diversity that felt adventurous. On its own, Ash isn’t a particularly adventurous exploration of genre, but it sticks out within their discography and that alone is praiseworthy. Apart from powerhouse vocalist Jongho, ATEEZ don’t always receive much attention for their singing. It’s nice to hear their voices spotlighted in an arrangement that gives them plenty of space to shine.
Ash opens with a mysterious mood, slowly building steam throughout its first verse. The minimalism here works because you know the song is growing toward something bigger. The tease continues for over a minute before Ash bursts into its full percussive thrust. While the beat could hit harder here, I like how it continues to spread throughout the track. A second verse switch-up provides a brief snag and Ash could do with an explosive finale that brings everything together in a knockout way, but on the whole this is a satisfying soundscape for a group who are clearly ready to try new things.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.5 |
