▲ This image of rookie group Close Your Eyes is provided by Uncore. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- 

“This album feels like a turning point for Close Your Eyes. Please look forward to seeing the more mature and sensual side of the ‘literary boys.’” (Jang Yeo-jun)

 

Rookie group Close Your Eyes, who made a strong impression with their lyrical debut song, is taking on a new image with their third mini album “Blackout.”

 

At a showcase for “Blackout” held at SBS Public Hall in Seoul’s Gangseo District on Tuesday, the group said, “We want to surprise many people with this promotion,” adding, “We’ll show a deeper, more sophisticated side of ourselves.”

 

“Blackout” tells the story of Close Your Eyes breaking through limits and moving forward without stopping.

 

The album features six tracks, including the double title tracks “X” and “SOB,” as well as “Who’s Dat?,” which depicts a journey to find a mysterious and alluring figure.

 

The upbeat R&B dance track “X” expresses the group’s determination to face fear and limitations head-on and continue moving forward. Member Kenshin participated in the choreography, adding sensuous wave dance moves, while Jeon Min-wook took part in writing the lyrics.

 

Jeon said, “In the climactic section toward the end, member Ma Jingxiang recites the word ‘X’ in a low voice while the high notes continue to build, creating an appealing contrast between the highs and lows.”

 

“SOB,” whose title comes from the English word meaning “to weep,” is a house track filled with confidence, carrying the message, “You’ll cry because you want to be like me.” The song features Kazakhstani DJ Imanbek, winner of a Grammy Award at the 63rd Grammy Awards.

 

“I’ve been a fan of Imanbek’s music for a while, so I’m thrilled we had the chance to collaborate,” said Jeon. “Recently, producer Lee Hae-in suggested I try DJing, and since I’ve always been interested in composing, I want to learn DJing to make even better music.”

 

Close Your Eyes is a seven-member boy group formed through the JTBC audition program “Project 7,” which aired last year.

 

In April, they released their debut album “Eternalt,” where they transformed into “literary boys.” In July, they presented the summer-themed Christmas album “Snowy Summer,” showcasing their unique charm.

 

“If someone says they want to be like Close Your Eyes, I think it’s because we freely express the music we want and constantly try new things,” said Jeon. “We want to continue showing new sides of ourselves without setting boundaries.”

 

The group plans to hold its first solo concert next year and will embark on a Japan tour in February, presenting various performances both at home and abroad.

 

Kenshin, who is Japanese, said, “I want to show my family a cool side of me as soon as possible. I’m also taking English lessons these days, so I hope to perform in the U.S. someday.”

 

“Our goal is to show growth with every album. We want more people to know what kind of music we make.” (Jang Yeo-jun)

 

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