As SEVENTEEN prepares to release their ninth mini-album Attacca, there’s a calmingly confident energy amongst the highly respected group. Ahead of the media showcase event, 11 of the group’s 13 members stepped out on stage donning all black – giving a very serious demeanor to display their artistic direction with this new era. Before having any knowledge of its contents, the highly anticipated release already managed to sell over 1.4 million pre-order units in one day, surpassing their previous record of 1.3 million just months ago through their eighth mini-album Your Choice. 

With all signs indicating that the potential success for SEVENTEEN (SVT) is immeasurable, we’re starting to witness a revolution within their musical tendencies. The title track “Rock with You” sets the tone for the mini-album by dropping their self-described “pop-punk” song to explore the distinct trends of the early ‘00s (with Joshua citing Avril Lavigne as an early pop-punk icon) but in the scope of their own SVT style. 

The music video for “Rock with You” (which debuted at the showcase), gave us two different visual concepts for the group. One of which places the group on a rooftop, with a pastel sky backdrop performing the upbeat track – the other, a neon-lit room with the group in an all-leather wardrobe. The different relationships between those images are another reflection of the pop-rock coalescence in the song, making their comeback a love letter to a fandom that deeply respects their curation of music. By the time the song wraps up and finds an unwavering consistency, it’s evident that “Rock with You” is another solid SVT song you’re able to savor upon each and every listen. 

In regards to their new release, Attacca further pursues the group’s ‘Power of Love’ concept message created in Your Choice, to dissect various subsequent viewpoints on a universal emotion. The group explains that “dynamic” and “powerful” love plays a big role in their own DNA as SVT, but also in this specific body of work – proving to be an important aspect of this new, refreshed SVT. 

Woozi explains that Attacca is about, “One movement to the next, without pause. It’s how we express this unstoppable and passionate love.” That love is something that the group states can transcend romanticism – incorporating the love of friendship, art, partnership, and all perspectives the group can streamline into their craft. 

In reference to their separate performance factions, Seungkwan notes, “Our unit songs were used to show our unique unit colors but this time we wanted it to feel a little more fresh and diverse.” Regarding the differing music, he continues, “On the hip-hop and vocal song [through multiple listens] you get to discover that each member is capable of something new.” 

In an effort to have fun with choreography but also maintain accessibility for listeners, Hoshi acknowledges, “We put energy into the choreography, and we also wanted to create highlight choreography that everyone could enjoy.” To further display that message, he prompts DK to stand and reveal the aforementioned choreography with his members vocally backing him (or conversely, grinning ear to ear) showing off his willingness to entertain. Hoshi then quips, “We don’t have a name for this performance yet, so we look forward to seeing what the members of the press call it!” 

Considering the fact that 11 of SVT’s 13 members are able to participate in this promotion due to members Jun and THE8 getting to visit family out of the country, there was an obvious shift for the group that has successfully retained each original member. Seungkwan tells us, “I think we’ve always been 13 members so without them, of course, we feel an emptiness.” but optimistically adds, “They did see some of the footage from a [recent] shoot, and they felt that we really worked hard!” Mingyu also chimes in to share, “Of course we want to see them, and we do keep in touch, so we are always cheering each other on!” Luckily, the group was all present for the music video itself before their temporary absence, and after their choice to re-sign with PLEDIS Entertainment months prior, we can expect a future of exciting SVT content. 

Hoshi divulged, “The re-signing was a turning point for us in our growth, and also for us as a team. We’ll continue to try and show a new SEVENTEEN and return your love with great performances and music.”

SEVENTEEN’s new mini-album Attacca is available now, and the music video for the single “Rock with You” can be viewed above!