On September 30, CLOSE YOUR EYES, the seven-member group formed through the survival show ‘Project 7’, returned with their fourth mini-album, ‘256th Note’, five months after the release of their digital single ‘POSE’.
Comprising Jeon Minwook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeojun, Kim Sungmin, Song Seungho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoungbae, the group explores jazz-inspired sounds in their latest release.
The album title is the concept. As ‘256th Note’ is among the shortest values in music, barely a blink of sound, and the album tries to catch fleeting, unfiltered everyday feelings before they pass.
“Rather than relying on conventional expressions, the album focuses on the emotions and natural flow of each moment.”
Speaking about the creation of the album, the members shared, “Our goal was to make good music that isn’t boxed in by genre, and to make every style on the album easy to listen to.”
Let’s take a closer look at each track and the story it tells, exploring the sounds and emotions.
‘Open Your Eyes’
Released on September 18 as the album’s pre-release single, ‘Open Your Eyes’ was co-written by members Minwook and Kenshin, alongside pianist Yohan Kim and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Jacob Scesney.
‘Open Your Eyes’ opens the album by reframing the freedom and spontaneity of jazz through the musical language of hip-hop and R&B. Blending expressive keyboards with delicate saxophone and fast-paced drums, the track creates a unique sound, complemented by the members’ alluring vocals, which enhance its overall mood.
The music video elevates the track with rhythmic dance sequences and slick transitions, while the visuals and color grading add to the overall atmosphere and flow of the track.
‘Drop That!’
Sampling the influential figure Yoon Si-nae’s ‘Enjoy This Night’ and reinventing it in a 1990s street hip-hop style, ‘Drop That!’ showcases a new side of the group while staying true to their unique musical identity. With the intention of letting go of hesitation, overthinking, and worries, the track encourages listeners to live in the present moment.
Members Minwook and Seungho contributed to writing the lyrics, making the title track even more meaningful and highlighting the group’s growth with each comeback. The music video showcases the group’s stylish attire alongside groovy choreography while capturing their unique charm.
What makes ‘Drop That!’ work as a title track is the contrast. It is the album’s loudest statement of confidence, yet it stays rooted in the same jazz foundation as the opener, so the jump in energy never feels out of place.
‘Vibe Check’
After the bold, high-energy title track, ‘Vibe Check’ is where the album exhales.
A pop track that blends groovy drum beats, bass, and urban piano sounds with the members’ expressive vocals and rap, ‘Vibe Check’ brings a more relaxed mood to the album. Members Kenshin and Kim Sung-min participated in writing the lyrics.
During an interview, Kim Sung-min revealed that he pictured himself alone on a quiet beach while writing the lyrics, hoping to make listeners feel the same sense of comfort and relaxation that inspired the track.
‘Slowly Bleed’
‘Slowly Bleed’ is a contemporary pop track with elements of electropop and alternative R&B, creating a magical, cinematic experience for listeners through the members’ vulnerable vocal delivery and smooth falsetto.
The lyrics capture the feeling of being consumed by unpredictable emotions or falling deeper into a feeling than intended, until it becomes impossible to turn back, as reflected in the line, “I can dive into the dawn.”
The outro brings the track to a movie-like ending, transporting listeners into an entirely different experience.
‘Fool for You’
‘Fool for You’ lifts the weight with a burst of sweetness.
A spoken intro by member Ma Jingxiang, whose deep voice delivers the line, “Baby girl, you got me doing stupid things, because of you, I’m a fool,” sets the romantic atmosphere. It’s a small, charming detour after the heaviness of ‘Slowly Bleed’.
Bringing out the group’s youthful energy, the track features a lo-fi sound texture and an emotional melody. The lyrics, “Your beautiful eyes, they get me every time,” create a heart-fluttering moment for listeners.
Members Jang Yeojun, Song Seungho, and Jeon Minwook are credited as writers on the track. ‘Fool for You’ highlights the group’s versatility.
‘Baby Bossa Nova (Featuring Hyelyn Joo)’
‘Baby Bossa Nova’ keeps the mood breezy.
Inspired by the traditional Brazilian music genre of bossa nova, the song combines modern, upbeat pop drums with an emotional pop melody. Featuring emerging R&B artist Hyelyn Joo, whose vocals harmonise with the group’s, the track offers a whole different vibe.
Coming right after the crush of ‘Fool for You,’ it plays like the daydream that follows. Along with Hyelyn Joo, Jeon Minwook also contributed to writing the track.
‘Eternity’
As the album approaches its end, ‘Eternity’ serves as a nod to their fans, CLOSER.
The warm pop ballad is powerful, built around acoustic piano and a sincere vocal performance. Through heartfelt lyrics, it conveys their unwavering affection for CLOSER, showing how their hearts remain wholeheartedly devoted to their fans, even in the fleeting moments of everyday life. This sentiment is captured in the lyrics, “Even on the nights I couldn’t believe in myself. Through it all, you, you were always there, calling my name.”
All seven members participated in writing the lyrics as a dedication to their fans, giving the finale a collective quality, making it a meaningful and heartwarming ending to the album.
Final Thoughts
‘256th Note’ highlights CLOSE YOUR EYES staying true to the “setting-the-scene” approach of their debut while exploring a range of genres, from jazz and punk to bossa nova and ballads. Despite the shifts in sound, the album remains cohesive, with each track built around its own atmosphere.
The group is now set to take these songs on the road for its first North American tour, ‘BEYOND YOUR EYES,’ which kicks off on October 21 in Atlanta, with stops in eight cities, including Los Angeles on October 25, and wraps up in Toronto on November 4.
An album made up of brief moments, shifting moods, and one long, heartfelt thank-you to the people listening.
Written by: Aani Nagaiah
Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.
