WOLF HOWL HARMONY Unleash Their Power with Debut Album “WOLF”
After emerging from EXILE TRIBE’s fierce audition program iCON Z Dreams For Children, subunit WOLF HOWL HARMONY wasted no time making a name for themselves. The four-member vocal and rap unit — consisting of GHEE, HIROTO, RYOJI, and SUZUKI — built their pack from scratch and officially debuted in 2023 with “Sweet Rain.” Now, they have returned with their first full-length album, WOLF, an impactful statement on where they’ve been, who they are, and how far they’re ready to go.
Across eleven tracks, WOLF captures the thrill of youth, the pain of yearning, and the freedom of finally finding your voice. From anthemic rock songs to genre-blending tracks, the album reflects the group’s emotional depth, range, and unwavering chemistry. Below, EnVi breaks down each track: some bark, all bite, and no skips.
Charging Forward
The album kicks off with “Letters,” a sentimental ode to the unbreakable bond between the members of WOLF HOWL HARMONY. It’s more than just an opening track: “Letters” introduces the group’s shared journey, the paths that led them to one another, and the new chapter they’re embarking on together. The lyrics, inspired by real letters the members wrote to one another, capture their trust, dreams, and the deep connection that ties them together. Like lone wolves drawn together by fate, this ballad symbolizes their transformation from individuals to a united pack, standing strong as one.
The emotional rawness of “Letters” gives way to “Frozen Butterfly.” Initially released as a single in 2024, the song cranks up the intensity with hip-hop beats and dramatic horns reminiscent of boy bands from the late ’90s. The lyrics, however, are deeply poetic, expressing the desire to “escape together from this ice blue world” and fly to the sky together like a frozen butterfly, dreaming freely and loving loudly. The track showcases the group’s duality, not only in their ability to rap and sing but to also balance emotional lyrics over hard-hitting production.
Loud and Proud
With its thunderous instrumental and genre-blurring structure, “BAKUON -爆音-,” is a daring lead single that translates literally to “explosive sound.” The track is a sonic explosion that fuses global influences, notably Baile Funk, in homage to member GHEE’s Brazilian heritage. The song’s structure is unpredictable, with a bold start and unexpected shifts — like the ‘90s R&B-style interlude and sharp beat switch — leading to an even bolder finish.
The music video is just as daring as the track, with every frame accented in a bold, unapologetic shade of red. In comparison to the drab and grey backgrounds, the members are dressed in head-to-toe scarlet fits oozing with confidence. The choreography keeps you on your toes — literally. Melding together sharp tutting with the fluidity of Brazilian dance influence and groove, “BAKUON -爆音-” is just full of surprises.
Sweet Like Sugar
Following this, “Sweet Rain” offers an upbeat tempo with a catchy melody that showcases the group’s pop sensibilities. The song is a fan-favorite that combines gentle acoustics with pulsing R&B-pop rhythms. The lyrics drip with longing, “Standing in the rain of love / embracing ten billion tear drops,” as the members croon on comparing love to a heavy downpour you’re stuck in but willing to endure. The track’s smooth vocals and infectious rhythm contributed to its commercial success, ranking third on the Billboard JAPAN HOT 100 and topping Spotify’s Viral Top 50 Japan for seven consecutive days.
“Sugar Honey,” meanwhile, turns up the heat. Opening with delicate guitar strums and piano chords, the track quickly builds into a heady mix of sensuality and heartbreak. “Look at me, I want you all to myself,” RYOJI croons. Featured as the theme song for TV TOKYO’s drama kiss×kiss×kiss LOVE SHOWER, presents a sweet and melodic tune that complements the show’s romantic themes. It’s sweet, painful, and deeply addictive, serving as an anthem for anyone who has ever fallen too hard, too fast.
Youth and Living
Three of the album’s most compelling tracks, “Love Triangle,” “Pink Flash Lights,” and “Pierce,” form WOLF HOWL HARMONY’s official ”Youth Trilogy,” a exploration of the emotional highs, lows, and in-betweens that define adolescence.
“Love Triangle” kicks off the saga with a deceptively upbeat melody underscoring a bittersweet tale of entangled feelings. Willingly caught in a messy love story, the members wrestle with jealousy and loyalty, even hinting at betrayal in the name of desire. “I liked you first, though,” they admit, capturing the rawness and insecurity that often come with young love.
“Pink Flash Lights” offers a shift in tone but keeps the emotional stakes high. Fueled by sleek electro-pop beats, the track paints love in full color, comparing its glow to (pink, of course) flowers and flashing lights. There’s a dreaminess to it, a rush of romance and the pink haziness of blooming love.
The trilogy closes with “Pierce (ピアス),” an anthem that leans fully into rebellion. Described as emo-rock with punk undertones, the track captures the wild energy of being young, impulsive, and unapologetically yourself. WOLF HOWL HARMONY remind you to live in the moment, embrace your youth, and the euphoric feeling of being young and alive. From the lyric “Break away from the red-light siren / I screamed to the sleepy city,” to the distorted guitar riffs, “Pierce” is a rally cry to feel everything deeply and to wear your heart on your sleeve.
Together, these three songs not only highlight WOLF HOWL HARMONY’s emotional range, but also establish a coming-of-age arc that many listeners will see themselves in.
To the Bold Future
“ROLLIN’ STONES” is a familiar one to us at EnVi. After all, we had much to say about the track when it was first released last October. With this song, the members of WOLF HOWL HARMONY are at their boldest, delivering a heavy rock explosion with grit and determination. It’s all about resilience, urging listeners to stand tall and push forward, no matter the odds. The fiery lyrics, like how they proclaim “Let’s make a dramatic grand finale,” make it a perfect soundtrack for those wishing to be the main protagonists of their lives. The concept video they released in October also offers fans a glimpse into their relentless worth ethic, transitioning from rehearsals to their electrifying performance at “NEO EXILE SPECIAL LIVE 2024.”
Not only are they living boldly, but these wolves also love with an intensity that burns just as bright. “LOVE RED” is a track that perfectly captures the fiery passion of romance and adoration, with a feel-good energy and heartfelt lyrics. “Because of you, I became stronger / You’re my precious” sings SUZUKI, pouring his heart out to fans. The song is full of spring vibes, a season of new beginnings, blossoming love, and fearless confessions. Whether it’s the rush of a first love or the thrill of an undeniable connection, the track embodies the kind of romance that’s impossible to ignore. If “Letters” was a love letter to the members from each other, “LOVE RED” is a love letter to their fans.
Like the closing credits of a coming-of-age movie, “YOU&I” is the final bow on top of this debut. It’s definitely not a goodbye, but a promise for the future wrapped in nostalgia and hope. The uplifting melodies and lyrics capture the excitement of stepping forward together, hand in hand, towards what’s next. It’s like reminiscing on the journey so far, cherishing every moment before stepping into a brand-new chapter. “YOU&I” is the kind of song that plays as the screen fades to black, leaving behind a lingering sense of warmth and also the anticipation for the sequel.
With WOLF, WOLF HOWL HARMONY mark the beginning of something bigger than just a debut. By blending global sounds with personal stories, the group creates an experience that’s both intimate and epic. Whether they’re whispering letters to each other or roaring through an explosive chorus, one thing is clear: these wolves don’t just howl — they harmonize, too.
Keep up with WOLF HOWL HARMONY on Instagram and TikTok and listen to their debut studio album WOLF on Spotify and Apple Music.
Want more album reviews? Check out our track-by-track breakdown of G-Dragon’s Übermensch here!
