TOMORROW X TOGETHER Explore Pop-Punk On ‘LO$ER=LOVER’

Following the success of their May 2021 LP The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE, South Korean group TOMORROW X TOGETHER return with pop-punk artistic expression in their latest release, “LO$ER=LOVER”– the lead single off their new record, The Chaos Chapter: FIGHT OR ESCAPE. 

Driven by the courage to love while battling a fear of getting hurt, “LO$ER=LOVER” dives into the current global punk rock renaissance with layered electric guitar and gritty vocals. In a press conference held earlier this morning, leader and vocalist Soobin elucidated on the theme of the latest release. “The song romantically expresses the boy’s desire to fight against the world although he might fail or just escape with you, the person who is the only answer to him,” he explained. While the group sees ‘you’ as their fandom (MOAs), they emphasized the universal appeal of the track, quoting that the ‘you’ can be credited as anyone who offers hope and support amidst dark times.

Channeling a concoction of angst, freedom, happiness and pain, the music video reflects on the current circumstances that surround Generation-Z. Navigating through the challenges life throws their way, TXT work their way through domestic abuse, financial constraints, love and the undervalue of wage work, relying on each other for support and comfort. The selection of hardships is particularly relevant to Gen-Z, who often find themselves carrying the burden of relationships and finance very early on in their lives.

Continuing the sonic ensemble of their previous hit “0x1=LOVESONG,” TXT maintain a pop-punk style, but up the ante with stronger guitar riffs and percussion which empower their powerful vocals. The track was co-written by rapper Yeonjun, award-winning songwriter Billy Walsh (credited in works with Justin Bieber and The Weeknd) and produced by Louis Bell. At today’s press conference, Yeonjun revealed his writing was particularly inspired by the Netflix hit series The End of the Effing World and the idea of staying with your soulmate as the world crumbles around you.

Amplifying the rock quotient of the track, vocalist Beomgyu revealed an indirect association with legendary British rock group The Rolling Stones, “Mr. Scooter Braun of Ithaca Holdings gave a guitar as a present to Mr. Bang Si-Hyuk [founder of HYBE, TXT’s label] and it was used by Keith Richards himself. That guitar was used on our title track and when I first heard it, I thought it was a real honor.”

Examining love, money, capitalism, and friendship through the lens of a young boy, The Chaos Chapter: FIGHT OR ESCAPE brings forward three new tracks, including “MOA Diary”– the group’s first-ever track dedicated to their fans–the title track, “LO$ER=LOVER” and a new emocore remix of their previous release, “0x1=LOVESONG.” The rest of the repackaged album contains tracks from their sophomore LP, The Chaos Chapter: FREEZE.