"You never know where it will bounce"…CLOSE YOUR EYES, the transformation of Moonhak Sonyeon (Showcase)

[Dispatch=Reporter Yuha Neulgi] "Without being confined to a genre, we want to present good music." (Jang Yeojun)

CLOSE YOUR EYES made their debut in the music industry last year with the pure and delicate sensibility of a boy. Since then, they have broadened their musical spectrum by challenging various genres.

This time, they found the answer in jazz. They expressed improvisation and freedom in their own way. Adding 90s street hip-hop, they brought out a new color.

CLOSE YOUR EYES held a press conference on the 30th at The Riverside Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of their mini 4th album '256th Note'.

'256th Note' was conceived from one of the shortest notes existing in the world. The members captured fleeting emotions encountered while living. The most honest and unadorned moments were embedded in each track.

This is a comeback after approximately five months. Jeon Minuk said, "I prepared with excitement with the heart to make good memories with fans," and added, "We made efforts to show a new side by drawing inspiration from jazz."

The new album contains a total of 7 tracks. The title track 'DROP THAT!', 'OPEN YOUR EYES', 'VIBE CHECK', 'SLOWLY BLEED', 'FULL FOR YOU', 'BABY BOSSA NOVA', and 'ETERNITY'.

The reason for choosing jazz was 'freedom'. Jeon Minuk explained, "Jazz has many improvisational elements," and "The point that it is not confined to one thing matched us well."

Since it was an unfamiliar genre, study was necessary. Kim Seongmin recalled, "While preparing the tracks, we referred to Gorilla seniors' 'The Dance in the Rhythm,'" and "We discussed jazz and 90s hip-hop music together with the members."

The title track 'DROP THAT!' is a jazz hip-hop track. It sampled Yoon Shinai's 'Enjoy This Night'. The original song was reinterpreted in 1990s street hip-hop style.

The key is jazz's unique improvisation. Song Seungho said, "Since it was an unfamiliar genre, it felt awkward at first," and "I researched gestures and expressions a lot. We wanted to show our own color."

The 'DROP THAT!' music video was first unveiled on this day. The video began with a story of a boy dreaming of stardom. The members performed freely in tune with jazz as if they had achieved that dream.

CLOSE YOUR EYES pre-released the track 'OPEN YOUR EYES' on the 18th. The members challenged acting for the first time through an interlude film. Actor Jang Yohun provided support.

Jang Yeojun said, "I've been interested in acting usually. I was able to challenge it briefly through this opportunity," and expressed hope, "If given the chance, I'd like to do it professionally."

They hinted at an expanded musical spectrum. Jeon Minuk credited himself as a lyricist for 'OPEN YOUR EYES', 'DROP THAT!', 'FULL FOR YOU', and 'BABY BOSSA NOVA'. Song Seungho contributed lyrics to 'DROP THAT!' and 'FULL FOR YOU'.

Kenshin and Kim Seongmin each participated in lyrics for 'OPEN YOUR EYES' and 'VIBE CHECK'. Kenshin pointed out the difference, saying, "Previously, I wrote lyrics in Japanese and translated them," and "I studied Korean again. I tried to write in Korean from the start."

In particular, all seven members are credited as lyricists for the final track 'ETERNITY'. The members captured sincere feelings that came to mind moment by moment in the lyrics. They completed the album's ending in their own language.

Seo Gyeongbae emphasized, "It was about friendship among members and the desire to be with Closers. We were able to write it down quickly," and "I approached the lyrics with a sincere heart."

Now in their second year since debut. CLOSE YOUR EYES has built stage experience through various music broadcasts and festivals. Next month, they continue momentum with their first solo tour in the United States.

Jang Yeojun and Seo Gyeongbae pointed out, "We've become able to express ourselves freely in our own way. The way we deliver energy on stage has changed. We feel we've grown a lot."

The goal is to make the name CLOSE YOUR EYES known to more people. Ma Jingxiang joked, "We want to get 1st place on (music broadcasts). All members will show off improvisational acting."

CLOSE YOUR EYES releases their mini 4th album '256th Note' at 6 p.m. on the 30th.

▲ Jang Yeojun

▲ Seongmin

▲ Ma Jingxiang

▲ Jeon Minuk

▲ Kenshin

▲ Seo Gyeongbae

▲ Song Seungho

by. Hanuel Yoo