The set included a handful of freebies, including purple heart stickers bearing GOT7's rebranded, post-JYPE logo in a lovely lavender gradient. My main order consisted of an Encore sticky note pad, MBTI ahgase sticker sheet, and an IGOT7 heart sticker. The timing of its arrival could not be more ideal, for there was just a few days left before the official release of WINTER HEPTAGON.
SMOOTH evoked a Bruno Mars aura intertwined with dandy vibes of Pretty Please. Jackson's style was thoroughly embedded in the track, however there was a noticeable departure from his earlier releases. No longer were his words mumbled nor the background tracks clashing. Over the eight years of establishing Team Wang, Jackson was able to slowly define himself as an artist, then transition that experience to incorporate the aptitudes of the other members. SMOOTH was an easy listening song - a once unthinkable description given early releases of Papillon and Fendiman.
Our Youth / 청춘드라마 was apparently a title track candidate. Co-written by Ars/Youngjae, the melody and execution stays true to GOT7's core sound. It stays true to the GOT7 that ahgase know and adore, but subtly hints at evolution as well.
REMEMBER is a very Yugyeom-like track, with a slow tempo, modest R&B elements, and unusually quick lyrics. Similar to my observations regarding SMOOTH, Yugyeom has also refined his sound as an artist over the years, under the liberal management of AOMG. In 2021's Point of View: U, his first EP under the hip hop label, I admit to having trouble differentiating between the songs. But, with every new release, including single releases of Ponytail, LOLO, La Sol Mi, and 1 Minute from 2024's TRUST ME, I've gradually grown to enjoy the tracks tremendously and even play them on loop! Consistent with other veteran ahgases though, I did find the track being too brief at just 2 minutes and 13 seconds.
Darling is characteristic of Jay B's intended artistic approach towards up-and-coming releases. Mellow yet sharp, it's a track that embodies both whimsy and romance in a carefree manner.
TIDAL WAVE, another supposed contender for the title track, is addictive beyond belief and likely one of my favourites off the album. With just a few listens, its potential to be extended into a full-length production is irrefutable. That said, the decision to opt for Python was one made with sound judgement. The serpent concept is simply suitable for the timing of release and also concept adoption.
OUT THE DOOR was an evident Mark/DNA Team production from the first listen. It quickly assumed my top spot (next to Python) for its quirky, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and high teen vibes. In particular, I was marvelled at the wholly English composition and Jinyoung's more-than-impressive opening verses. His pronunciation instigated shivers down my arms, concurrently causing my eyes to widen and mouth drop agape. Again, the artistic evolution of each member remains clear; a supportive artist management team has also proven critical to the success and wellness of each member.
her aligns with ahgase's overall prediction of a Jinyoung-produced track: serene, with complex vocabulary, and the ability to summon waterworks with a single note. Upon diving deeper, one will uncover lyrics depicting a beautiful past. Instead of snapshots of settings, the story guides listeners through an emotional connection comprising of memories and lingering breaths.
Yours Truly, / 우리가 할 수 있는 말은. is, without a doubt, the heptet's heartfelt letter to ahgase. At the current time of writing, I've intentionally refrained from investigating the lyrics, in fear of tearing up partway. The unspoken bond between GOT7 and their global fandom is one that which I take immense pride. Regardless of the time that passes and regardless of solo or OT7 releases, my status as an ahgase has never once been shaken. GOT7 is my home, as much as ahgase is theirs.
Stopovers were made at HomeSense and Dollarama, though ultimately did not incur any spendings due to the hassle of transport and the inconvenience posed by a single customer purchasing enough bottled beverages to hydrate an adult hockey team.
Suffice to say, his attitude was starkly unpleasant and the furthest from friendly. Given this, I was astounded when my order was prepared with swiftness and accuracy. The drink itself was, surprisingly, better than my go-to locations and aligned with my ice and sugar level specifications, as opposed to being cloying. The accompanying bamboo fibre straw appeared flimsy, but somehow endured and did not snap as expected. A plastic carrying bag for a single drink was also provided free of charge upon request, which is superior to CoCo's twenty-five cent paper bag policy.
Trekking back, an unfamiliar storefront caught my attention on the south side of Queen Street. Through the rear windows a TTC streetcar, I spotted Nekonab.
Fortunately, the pick-up was straightforward and the treat fudgy and gratifying - much, much tastier than the end-of-day slab from near King station.