TXT Debut a ‘Glowing’ New Chapter and Focus on Earlier Period (Unique)

Tomorrow x Collectively‘s newest launch is an evolution and a nostalgia play unexpectedly.

The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY (out Monday, Nov. 4), is formally the beginning of a brand new period for the Okay-pop group’s 5 members — Soobin, 23, Yeonjun, 25, Beomgyu, 23, Taehyun, 22, Heuningkai, 22 — who spoke to PEOPLE forward of its launch.

They’re transferring out of “The Title Chapter” — two albums that reveled within the freedom and occasional chaos of youthful indiscretions — and into “The Star Chapter.” Represented by a shiny, shining emblem rebrand, it carries messages about discovering real love and lasting happiness.

“To some extent, I believe it actually displays us rising up,” says Heuningkai.

“In our previous installments, it was extra of these magical moments, like ‘Run away along with me,’ or one thing that might be just a little bit much less accountable,” provides Taehyun. “However this time round, it is romantic, however in a way that it is grounded and extra life like.”

Sonically, SANCTUARY has a sweetness that remembers among the group’s earliest releases.

“I believe you are spot on about speaking about the way you considered The Dream Chapter when listening to this album,” Heungingkai confirmed whereas discussing their influences with PEOPLE in October. “It is one thing new, however it’s one thing that additionally provokes nostalgia as properly,” he provides.

The lead single, “Over the Moon,” is dreamy pop however consists of some very grown-up themes with lyrics about dwelling underneath one roof and planning for the long run. Different tracks, like “Hazard” tip into funky Bruno Mars-like territory, or within the case of “Forty One Winks,” extra upbeat R&B.

Whereas there isn’t any actual rock or pop punk moments (one thing they’ve leaned into with nice success prior to now with songs like “LO$ER=LO♡ER”), “Larger than Heaven” does have a romping pop-rock bent.

The album’s sound is not only a reflection of the group’s shifting tastes. “We have now this massive narrative that overarches each installment in our musical journey,” Heuningkai explains.

Their discography, and the bigger lore of the group, incorporates a sprawling fictional backstory that may really feel intimidatingly advanced for the informal fan. However the themes — the pains of rising up, the fact of going through maturity, and the heartbreak that so typically goes together with it — are common sufficient that they arrive by simply of their earworm singles.

Whereas TXT has shared prior to now that their music is commonly knowledgeable by private expertise, they typically preserve a distance from talking about their very own relationships, as a substitute telling the track’s tales of crushes or misplaced loves because the tales of a “boy” (representing all and none of them) directed at “you,” an embodiment of their followers.

Explaining the that means of their newest album, for instance, Beomgyu says, “It’s a chapter the place the boy lastly recovers his identify and remembers the promise he made with you. They usually lastly reunite on this album. So it is the rejoicing that all of them really feel with this reunion.” 

All 5 members wrote lyrics and music on SANCTUARY, one thing they have been more and more keen about over the six years since their debut.

Taehyun admits to doing most of his writing within the automotive and on planes, amid their busy schedules. They nonetheless discover house for collaboration although. “We are likely to work individually on lyrics, however once we get caught, we ask for assist from the opposite members,” says Soobin.

Seemingly continuous promotions could be draining, however they’re candid about how they preserve their minds and our bodies wholesome. “Sleeping properly is the very best factor you are able to do for your self,” says Beomgyu. Provides Soobin, “We eat a variety of dietary supplements, too, and attempt to work out lots in order that we are able to keep wholesome and sustain our stamina.”

That work ethic has gained them a mountain of accolades in comparatively brief profession.

In 2023, they headlined Lollapalooza in Chicago, then carried out on the VMAS in New York, the place additionally they took dwelling the award for Push Efficiency. Their final album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, making them solely the second Okay-pop group to enter the chart 10 occasions, with the one different being their label mates BTS.

Requested if that type of accomplishment is thrilling or intimidating, Yeonjun explains, “We really feel each. We really feel each elated, and likewise we really feel a way of duty. And I believe each are wanted, as a result of solely once we really feel that duty can we develop as artists and evolve as artists. So as a result of so many individuals are giving us love and assist, It is our obligation to develop and evolve, and present new sides of ourselves as artists.”

Provides Taehyun, “We’re eternally grateful to International MOA who all the time present us with a variety of love and assist. And with this album and the albums going ahead, we will pay again to them by offering actually good music and performances.”

The Star Chapter: Sanctuary is obtainable to stream now.