Close Your Eyes Challenges the “Music Scene” with Jazz Punk
Close Your Eyes has embarked on a musical transformation, embracing jazz punk. Their fourth mini-album, “256th Note,” released on September 30, 2026, marks a departure from their previous lyrical and melodic style, showcasing a sound that emphasizes improvisation and groove.
The members expressed their ambition to grow into a team that can handle various genres, and to earn the reputation of being a “music powerhouse.” Their strategy is to showcase the team’s diverse appeal rather than being limited to a single genre.
‘256th Note’: Focusing on the freedom of jazz
“256th Note” is an album inspired by the spontaneous moments created by the instruments and the unique freedom of jazz. According to a report from Digital Chosun Ilbo, the album includes a total of 7 tracks, including the pre-released song “Open Your Eyes.”
The album includes songs such as “Vibe Check,” which features a groovy drum beat; “Slowly Bleed,” a combination of electro-pop and alternative R&B; and “Baby Bossa Nova,” which blends bossa nova with modern pop sounds. A notable feature is its ability to expand the range of genres while maintaining easy-to-listen melodies.
Title track: “Drop That!”, featuring a sample from a song by Yoon Shi-nae
The title track, “Drop That!,” samples Yoon Shi-nae’s “I Bamul Jeulgeopge” and reinterprets it in a 1990s street hip-hop style. According to News1 and Hankyung News, the song combines the spontaneity of jazz with the unique sampling techniques of hip-hop, expressing it in a way that is characteristic of Close Your Eyes.
During the press conference, member Jeon Min-wook explained that the improvisational elements of jazz are well-suited to the team’s style. The members studied Yoon Shi-nae‘s original song, as well as 1990s pop and jazz genres, to understand the music of an unfamiliar era, and used this knowledge to determine the direction of the song.
Song Seung-ho stated that while he felt a certain pressure as this was his first time experimenting with sampling, he also considered stage presence, gestures, and expressions to showcase the team’s unique style. This goes beyond simple genre borrowing and expands the energy of jazz funk into the overall performance.
Aiming to be a “music hotspot” that transcends genres
Close Your Eyes clearly demonstrated its intention to not be confined to a specific genre with this album. While centering on jazz funk, it also incorporates pop, hip-hop, R&B, and bossa nova, expanding the team’s musical spectrum.
Jang Yeo-jun highlighted “music hotspot” as a newly desired descriptor. This signifies their ambition to be a team that can master various genres and imbue them with their own unique stories and emotions, creating a different appeal for each song.
All members participated in the songwriting for the album track “Eternity.” The lyrics directly express the members’ feelings towards their fandom, and this demonstrates not only genre experimentation but also an attempt to expand the relationship between the team and its fans through music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What genre did Close Your Eyes attempt?
A. With their fourth mini-album, “256th Note,” they challenged themselves in the jazz funk genre.
Q. What kind of song is the title track, “Drop That!”?
A. This song samples Yoon Shi-nae’s “Enjoy This Night” and reinterprets it in a 1990s street hip-hop style.
Q. How many songs are included in “256th Note”?
A. The album includes a total of 7 songs, including the pre-release track “Open Your Eyes.”
Q. What adjectives does “Close Your Eyes” seek?
They expressed their desire to earn the reputation of being a “music hotspot” that presents various genres in their own unique way.
Q. Did the members participate in this album?
A. All members participated in the songwriting for the track “Eternity,” directly expressing their musical ideas.
