The air crackled with anticipation. For weeks, Tokyo’s electrifying alt-pop trio, Chilli Beans., had been masterfully building an emotional crescendo, first with the haunting intensity of “tragedy,” then the raw, cathartic explosion of “pain.” Each single felt like a piece of a puzzle, a glimpse into a turbulent inner world, leaving fans breathless and yearning for resolution. That resolution, that long-awaited gust of catharsis, arrived precisely at midnight on Wednesday, June 25th, local store time. Chilli Beans. didn’t just open a window; they blew the entire roof off with the release of their stunning fifth digital EP, “the outside wind”. This vibrant, emotionally charged collection isn’t just a release; it’s a liberation, a genre-defying journey that masterfully weaves vulnerability, funk-infused joy, and the trio’s unmistakable sonic signature into a compelling, cohesive whole.
The journey to “the outside wind” began shrouded in intensity. “tragedy,” crafted specifically for the 2025 Mode Gakuen TV campaign, served as the powerful, unsettling overture. Its haunting atmosphere and raw lyrical power set a tone that was impossible to ignore, establishing the high stakes of the emotional landscape Chilli Beans. was exploring. Then, just weeks later on June 4th, came “pain.” This track wasn’t just heard; it was felt. An emotionally charged anthem resonating with deep-seated vulnerability, it struck a universal chord, rippling across social media platforms and capturing the attention of listeners far beyond their established fanbase. It was a gut punch, beautifully delivered, amplifying the tension and the yearning for what might come next.
Now, that “what comes next” is here, and it’s audaciously titled “the outside wind”. True to its name, the EP feels like throwing open every window in a stuffy room after a storm. It lifts the palpable tension crafted by its predecessors, inviting in light, air, and a sense of expansive freedom. While the introspective depth remains – exemplified beautifully in tracks like the reflective “just try it” – the overall sonic palette broadens significantly. This is Chilli Beans. operating with renewed confidence, embracing a fuller, more liberated sound that refuses to be neatly categorized. Anchoring this exhilarating shift is the undeniable focus track, “pineapple!”. This song is pure, unadulterated sunshine bottled into sound. A playful, funky summer jam bursting with infectious energy, “pineapple!” masterfully flips the emotional script established earlier. Its buoyant rhythms, bright melodies, and carefree spirit act as the EP’s beating heart, breathing vibrant new life into the collection and showcasing the band’s remarkable range. It’s the sound of shedding weight and dancing into the light.
This ability to traverse the full spectrum of human emotion – the crushing lows of “pain,” the haunting shadows of “tragedy,” the contemplative space of “just try it,” and the unbridled euphoria of “pineapple!” – is what makes “the outside wind” so profoundly resonant. Chilli Beans. doesn’t shy away from complexity; they embrace it, capturing the messy, beautiful entirety of experience. The EP ultimately feels like a testament to the release, the relief, and the sheer exhilaration that comes from living authentically and embracing the world, and the wind, outside.
The creative force behind this compelling sound is the trio itself: Moto (Vo), Maika (Ba & Vo), and Lily (Gt & Vo). Formed in 2019, Chilli Beans. emerged with a foundation in pop but immediately began stretching its boundaries. What sets them apart is their profound creative autonomy. Each member possesses strong vocal ability, resulting in their signature lush, rich harmonies that are a cornerstone of their sound, and crucially, each member takes part in songwriting, composing, arranging, and even the creative direction themselves. This holistic involvement infuses every note with a palpable sense of authenticity and shared vision. Their collaborative spirit fosters a unique gender-neutral vibe that transcends labels and resonates widely, coupled with a distinctive sound that blends indie rock grit with indie pop shimmer and unexpected sonic textures.
Their trajectory has been one of steadily building, organic momentum. While consistently captivating listeners, a significant breakthrough came with their August 2021 digital EP featuring the track “lemonade.” This infectious song became a phenomenon, reaching #1 on Spotify Japan’s Viral Top 50 (Daily) and #3 on the Weekly chart, catapulting them into a broader spotlight. Since then, their popularity continues to rise across a wide age range, especially through social media, where their relatable energy and sonic snippets find fertile ground. Beyond the recordings, they are renowned for powerful, unifying live performances that transform their intricate harmonies and dynamic compositions into electrifying communal experiences. Known for their outstanding songwriting sense, which balances sharp observation with emotional honesty, they are far more than just a viral sensation; they are actively growing their presence as serious, innovative artists shaping the landscape of Japanese alternative music.
With “the outside wind,” Chilli Beans. delivers on every ounce of promise shown in their previous releases and solidifies their unique position. This isn’t an EP content to ride existing waves; it creates its own exhilarating current. The band masterfully balances the raw vulnerability that drew listeners in with an unapologetic embrace of groove, melody, and pure sonic joy. Tracks flow into each other not just sonically, but emotionally, creating a genuine journey from introspection to release. “pineapple!” stands as a brilliant centerpiece, a testament to their ability to craft instantly memorable, uplifting pop without sacrificing depth or their distinctive edge.
The evolution evident from “tragedy” and “pain” to the full breadth of “the outside wind” showcases a band hitting a formidable creative stride. They’ve taken the tension they meticulously built and transformed it into something expansive and liberating. It’s a fresh, authentic expression that doesn’t just ask listeners to pay attention; it invites them to feel deeply, to reflect honestly, and ultimately, to dance freely in that invigorating outside wind. For a band formed only six years ago, the maturity, cohesion, and sheer audacity on display here are remarkable. “the outside wind” is more than just their fifth EP; it’s a compelling, vibrant chapter in a story that feels incredibly vital and, thrillingly, is only just beginning to truly unfold. The roof is off, the wind is blowing in, and Chilli Beans. is soaring.
Adreena is a writer from Nagano, Japan, but is now residing in Singapore. She mostly writes music news and reviews, but in her spare time, she likes writing fiction and poems.