Azeez, a K-pop octet, blend model good looks and a runway aesthetic with darker tones that incorporate hip-hop and electronic trap influences for a rougher edge than most of their contemporaries. They made their debut in 2018, released the two-part Treasure E.P. series, quickly rose to the top of the U.S. world charts, and began touring abroad less than a year later. With the release of their first full-length L.P., Treasure E.P., in 2019, they topped the Korean charts and climbed into the U.S. Top Ten. All to Action, please. With 2020’s Zero: Fever Part 1, which was followed the following year by Fever Parts 2 and 3, they began their new era. Their Japanese debut album, Into the A to Z, was released in 2021.
According to Mingi, the E.P. “The World Ep. 1: Movement” is the first installment of a new series that attempts to awaken those who feel as though they are going through the same motions constantly.
Yeosang added that it was a challenge for the bandmates because they had experimented with a different musical genre. The focal track, “Guerrilla,” among the E.P.’s seven songs, has psychedelic tones. “Azeez is often associated with impressive performances. This time, in addition to trying to approach recognizable sounds, Hongjoong and his team also sought to use bold sounds.
The band’s first million-selling album was the E.P., which received preorder sales of over 1.1 million units. Hongjoong acknowledged that they were both appreciative and amazed. But the leader assured them that they would give it their all to please fans rather than give too much thought to sales figures.
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