AEN debuts with 'A NEW ERA OF NOW': 10-track bilingual album drops August 5

AEN dropped their debut mini album A NEW ERA OF NOW on August 5, releasing it simultaneously in Korea and Japan alongside the music video for title track X to Z (Next to me).

The group is a 7-member joint project between Starship Entertainment and Japanese agency Amuse. Four members are Korean, three are Japanese. Six of them — Jiyong, Bomin, Gyuhyun, Haru, Junseok, and Kaira — came through Starship's 'Debus Plan' project. Haruto (하루토) joined as the newest addition.

X to Z runs on an electronic rock fusion sound built around electric guitar and synth bass, carrying a message about crossing any boundary to stay by each other's side. Clockwise leans on a heavy synth bass riff with dynamic beat changes. Focus On Me is a house dance-pop cut. CHILLS goes addictive electronic pop. HIGHFIVE is a funky hip-hop-based dance track. All five songs are recorded in both Korean and Japanese, bringing the total to 10 tracks.

Before the official debut, AEN held a greeting showcase in Japan in June. NHK, TBS, and major Japanese sports publications all covered it.

(Seven members, two languages, one debut album — the rollout was clearly built for both markets from day one.)