Tomorrow X Together – The Star Chapter: Sanctuary (E.P Review)

The 4th generation K-Pop superstars’ polished E.P explores new ground within the group’s youthful sound while delivering optimistic love ballads.

Since the 2019 formation of boy group Tomorrow X Together, known as TXT, the quintet immediately found fame with their fresh, groovy pop sound and their versatile vocal talents. As the second boy group under HYBE Entertainment after industry juggernauts BTS, TXT was subjected to immense pressure from audiences to succeed and possibly even equal the popularity of their predecessors. Despite this burden however, the members have continually proved their musical prowess and ability to shine bright even under the most scrutinous of industry gazes.

‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’ is only another gem in the group’s practically flawless discography. The members turn their angelic vocals to six dreamy tracks about the joys, excitements, and adventures of love.

The album is kicked off by ‘Heaven’, a glitzy pop track characterised by a retro synth sound that perfectly showcases the members’ nimble vocal performances. The song presents a blissful image of love which is displayed through the song’s lyrics “Heaven is not far away now, the moment we kissed”. To pair with these wistful lyrics, vocalists Hueningkai, Taehyun and Soobin execute some delightfully smooth vocals which effectively accentuate their practiced falsettos. Even rapper Yeonjun taps into a honey-sweet tone that beautifully complements that of the vocalists’. Ultimately, ‘Heaven’ is a gently joyful track that succeeds in lulling listeners into the gleeful pop tracks that make ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’ really stand out.

Next comes the album’s title track ‘Over The Moon’, which is just as breezy and charming as it sounds. Starting with a soothing guitar intro underneath the members’ graceful vocal runs, the track instantly crafts a suave sound that only bolsters the group’s confident vocals. The song links itself to the album’s comforting concept as a whole (“Beyond the moon farther still through our dreams, sanctuary”) while contributing the sentiment that love has the potential to be magical and all consuming (“Over the moon, over the stars, I soar when you’re in my arms”). Audiences will likely be swaying along to the song’s easy beat and humming to the track’s enchanting melodies; all aspects that rightfully mark out ‘Over The Moon’ as the album’s most promoted track.

TXT return with renewed energy in the cool ‘Danger’, in which the group sing of a dangerous temptation towards a love interest. Accompanied by a catchy bass guitar riff, the song will capture audiences’ attention from the start with its hip and sultry ambience. The lyrics also overflow with romantic drama in lines like “wrapped up in a crime called emotion, I can’t see anyone but you”, which are delivered with plenty of creative vocal flourishes and a general air of swaggering self-assurance. Alongside its memorable chorus, fans will also enjoy Yeonjun and singer Beomgyu’s post-chorus, where the two use their charismatic low-tones to sell the suggestive line “What are you doing to me?”

From the very beginning of the bouncy ‘Resist (Not Gonna Run Away)’, the members’ accomplished vocals are on proud display on colourful vocal lines such as on the song’s opening line “When I see you, I can’t resist, you’re my one and only”. With thumping percussion and playful synths setting the scene for this bubbly pop number, the singers’ comfortability within their soaring higher ranges is really used to its full potential, as both rappers and singers come together to weave stunning harmonies and arresting melodies.

Slick R&B track ‘Forty One Winks’ highlights the subtle yet skilled nuances in the group’s vocal performances, with all five members slipping into pleasantly hushed croons that pair stylishly with the song’s low-key, leisurely tempo. The lyrics speak to the deep-rooted connection between two lovers, where words don’t need to be used to express love and affection for the other (“Send a signal, forty one winks, it’s like morse code”). This elegant track may not be as energetic and upbeat as the album’s other offerings, but it will captivate listeners all the same with its idyllic, somnolent vibe.

‘Higher Than Heaven’ seems like the perfect track to leave listeners on a high after the culmination of ‘The Star Chapter: Sanctuary’. The mid-tempo track’s euphorically charming lyrics, joyful guitar accompaniment and the members’ stirring vocals will appeal to audiences looking for a feel-good track to help warm the winter months.

Score/Excellent: Though all of the tracks on the album are under 3 minutes, all of them will bring listeners some moments of joy, who will find it hard to resist the sweet sentiment that this album explores. It’s a certified winter warmer that will appeal to all ages.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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