Group CLOSE YOUR EYES has returned with their 4th Mini Album "256th Note" on September 30. The album is inspired by the spontaneity of jazz—where instruments create improvised moments and draw the listener into deep immersion—this album focuses on revealing raw, unadorned emotions and the natural flow of the moment, rather than relying on formulaic expressions.
Through "256th Note," the group captures the process of turning passing moments into music—prioritizing honest reactions to current feelings over predetermined answers and documenting the flow of time through their own unique sound.
Across seven tracks, the album encapsulates the honest, unadorned "fleeting emotions" the members experience while living through these moments, all under the theme of the "256th Note"—one of the shortest musical notes in existence. The pre-release track "Open Your Eyes" reinterprets the freedom and spontaneity of jazz through the stylistic conventions of hip-hop and R&B. CLOSE YOUR EYES’ captivating vocals—characterized by a trendy yet distinctive sense of rhythm—blend seamlessly with these elements to create a unique sound where classic jazz motifs coexist with a contemporary sensibility.
The pre-released track, 'Open Your Eyes' reinterprets the freedom and spontaneity of jazz through the stylistic conventions of hip-hop and R&B. Built upon an experimental piano arpeggio loop, the song maintains tension with fast-paced drums, while pianist Yohan Kim’s tasteful touch and jazz saxophonist Jacob Scesney’s delicate playing stand out. The captivating vocals of CLOSE YOUR EYES—delivering a trendy yet distinctive rhythm—further elevate the track, maximizing the overall quality of the sound.
The title track, 'Drop That!' samples and reinterprets "Enjoy This Night" by Yoon Si-nae—a pioneer of Korean jazz-funk—into a 90s street hip-hop style. The unpredictable spontaneity of jazz merges with the signature sampling techniques of hip-hop to create a unique atmosphere. Driven by striking string lines and an upright bass sound, the song highlights the unique sensibility of CLOSE YOUR EYES.
While the pre-release track 'Open Your Eyes' delicately expressed the free-spirited nature of jazz, the title track "Drop That!" amplifies this into a more intense and visceral energy, showcasing a new side of CLOSE YOUR EYES’ music and performance.
Just as fleeting individual notes come together to form a complete piece of music, the countless moments CLOSE YOUR EYES has experienced become the very essence of their music. "256th Note" stands as a "note"—an honest record—capturing CLOSE YOUR EYES exactly as they are in this very moment.
'Vibe Check' is a pop track features a groovy drum beat set against a backdrop of urban piano sounds and a restrained bassline. The members of CLOSE YOUR EYES showcase their stylish vocals and rap over the rhythmic instrumentation, creating a unique track that embodies the group's signature blend of classic and trendy vibes.
'Slowly Bleed' is a captivating song featuring a cinematic soundscape that fuses contemporary pop with elements of electro-pop and alternative R&B. Through CLOSE YOUR EYES' expressive style and smooth falsetto vocals, the track conveys the state of a heart that has been irreversibly changed by emotions seeping in in unpredictable ways.
'Fool For You' is an R&B track that stands out for its vintage yet romantic atmosphere, combining a lo-fi sonic texture with an evocative, emotional melody. This track captures the feeling of being honest about love with a calm yet delicate sensibility, featuring lyrics that highlight the group's signature youthful charm.
'Baby Bossa Nova (ft. Ju Hyerin)' is inspired by the traditional Brazilian genre of Bossa Nova. The song blends modern, upbeat pop drums with an emotive pop-style melody. Rising R&B artist Ju Hyerin, who has recently been gaining attention in the scene, features on the track, creating a harmonious blend of voices with the members of CLOSE YOUR EYES.
'Eternity' serves as the closing track, all members participated in writing the lyrics. The song sincerely conveys the members' unwavering devotion to their fans, "CLOSER," in every fleeting moment of their daily lives. It is a lyrical pop ballad built around a warm acoustic piano sound, captivating listeners with the members' heartfelt vocals that transition from a restrained opening to an emotionally explosive finale.
