Tomorrow x Together (TXT) is back with a brand new concept in their first release of 2023, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION. According to BigHit Entertainment, the group’s fifth extended play, “depicts youth on the brink of adulthood. After experiencing conflict and chaos, the boys feel a desire to postpone their growth and linger in the freedom of Neverland. Their journey forward despite this desire is a representation of today’s generation as they continue to grow through the challenges of the world.” The EP consists of five tracks as well as an experimental range of genres in which TXT once again solidifies their status as “Gen Z it boys.” Dive headfirst into temptation with TXT as we break down the first installation of The Name Chapter track by track.

“Devil by the Window”

Some of TXT’s best tracks have been their opening songs on previous albums, and “Devil by the Window” is no exception. In fact, it’s reminiscent of “Opening Sequence” from their second minisode, but there’s a dark twist that feels similar to “Eternally” from The Dream Chapter era. Like “Eternally,” there are many jarring genre shifts throughout the song that keep listeners on their toes. It somehow still flows beautifully, aided by a strong bassline, the members’ matured vocals, and captivating lower registers. The song ends with yet another abrupt change accompanied by a blend of angelic harmonies. The final note is a sharp intake of breath, like waking up from a bad dream. 

The composition isn’t the only surprising factor in “Devil by the Window.” The opening track is also sung completely in English. However, it doesn’t feel like a reach for the charts or an attempt at global stardom. The lyrics tell a story of temptation, playing into the Peter Pan-inspired theme. It’s an excellent lead-in to the title track, “Sugar Rush Ride” while showing off the quintet’s aptitude for taking risks.

“Sugar Rush Ride”

“Sugar Rush Ride” continues on the same genre rollercoaster. The song forgoes the bridge entirely, shifting from the highs of upbeat verses to the sudden drop of a bewitching chorus. The pre-chorus contains delicious falsetto before descending into chaos with whispers of the devil. It embraces traditional Korean elements in both the lyrics and choreography. The repeated linez “Come here, let’s play,” is borrowed from the pansori folktale Chunhyangjeon, a famous story taking place during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a tale about two people from different social classes falling in love despite all odds. Meanwhile, the movement of rotating their index fingers during the line, “Gimme, gimme more,” takes inspiration from traditional Korean dance.

The music video for the title-track was recently shot in Bali. TXT are seen waking up on a magical island and quickly set off to explore the surrounding forest. Nature is a focal point as the scenes flash from vivid greenery to deep wooded areas. The boys are pulled into temptation as hallucinations seem to set in, twisting the peaceful island into something more wicked. The change is shown through every aspect of the music video, right down to the styling as TXT don dark outfits and leather pants amidst a deep purple, woodsy background. It’s the perfect balance of seductive and sweet as our lost boys return to the beach for the final scene, with Huening Kai turning back at the last moment, perhaps representing the island's lingering pull.

“Happy Fools” (feat. Coi Leray)

Features are few and far between on TXT albums. In fact, “Happy Fools” marks the first time the group has included an original collaboration in their tracklist as the features on “0X1=LOVESONG” from FIGHT OR ESCAPE are remixes of pre-existing work. However, it doesn’t feel displaced or unnatural. “Happy Fools'' is perfectly placed in the center of the album as a makeshift bridge. It provides listeners with an easy-listening, feel-good track that ties together the chaos of “Devil by the Window” and “Sugar Rush Ride” with the tranquility of “Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)” and “Farewell, Neverland.” The song borrows elements from Bossa Nova and R&B to create an upbeat, cheerful vibe. The subject of temptation in “Happy Fools” is explored through “the pleasant taste of laziness.” The members forgo their worries and responsibilities of the future and opt to live in the moment instead. The lively collaboration offers a welcomed escape that pulls listeners into “a dream-like guilty pleasure” right alongside TXT and Coi Leray.

“Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)”

The come-down starts in “Tinnitus (Wanna be a rock)” as TXT sing about the woes of fame in this percussion-heavy track with assorted ad libs and elements of Afro-pop. The title may seem rather comical at first glance, but the deeper meaning is found in clever lyricism. The members use the idea of becoming a rock as a method to express feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. My personal favorite line is sung by Soobin in the second verse: “​​I admit it, I'm not a ‘born to be.’” The quintet struggles with what they wanted when their journey first began in comparison to new dreams shrouded in doubt. Meanwhile, tinnitus is used to describe the immense highs of performing and crashing lows in the “void at the end.” According to Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is a condition where “you experience ringing or other noises in one or both of your ears.” All of these hardships combine to create track four’s subtle temptation: to leave everything behind and live a simple, lazy life. Just like a rock.

“Farewell, Neverland”

“Farewell, Neverland” is the fifth and final track, wrapping up the mini-album on a surprisingly calm note. The ballad includes snappy guitar riffs and Latin influences accompanied by mesmerizing vocals. It is perhaps the song that leans into the Peter Pan concept the most, made evident by the title. TXT uses Neverland as an extended metaphor to say goodbye to temptation in the album’s closing track. The lyrics acknowledge the initial desire for, “endless flying,” while finally recognizing the dangers of a world where, “every day is the same season,” and, “boys don’t grow up.” As TXT prepare to kick off their second world tour in Seoul this March, “Farewell, Neverland” is sure to be a standout performance. It highlights the quintet’s vocal and emotional range, and provides the perfect opportunity to connect with MOAs, the group’s official fandom.

The mini-album is a far cry from TXT’s vibrant debut, but perhaps that’s the most appealing thing about it. From bubblegum pop to soulful R&B, alternative hip-hop, and everything in between, TXT has proven they’re not afraid to face new challenges. As the industry becomes more saturated than ever before and we watch companies try and fail to avoid the same pitfalls, it is groups like TXT that keep us coming back for more. With great risk comes great reward, and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what new heights TXT will reach in 2023.

Edited by Cara Musashi