Fifth-Generation Stars CLOSE YOUR EYES Excel And Accelerate In New Mini Album “blackout”
One of K-pop’s fastest rising boy groups, CLOSE YOUR EYES (CYE), prove their capabilities are limitless in their latest mini album, blackout. CYE debuted on April 2 with multinational members JEON MINWOOK, MA JINGXIANG, JANG YEOJUN, KIM SUNGMIN, SONG SEUNGHO, KENSHIN, and SEO KYOUNGBAE. It is hard to believe that only a year ago, these seven hopefuls sought out their dream on the global audition program PROJECT 7. Now, they are monster rookies gracing global stages with numerous accolades under their belt.
CYE’s debut title track, “All My Poetry,” not only earned the septet two music show wins, but also the titles of the fastest fifth-generation group and the second fastest group to win on KBS’s Music Bank. CYE continued their streak of success with their second mini album Snowy Summer, which sold over 200k albums on its first day of release — a monumental increase from their debut mini album, ETERNALT, which sold 316k copies within its first week.
If their rapid growth wasn’t impressive enough, CYE aim to elevate themselves and their artistry even further in their newest project. CYE returned on November 11 with their third mini album, blackout, which showcases a more mature sound and look for the team. The six tracks are reflective of their versatility as a multifaceted unit.
Face Your “X”
After transforming from literature boys to mischievous ghosts, CYE have now taken on the concept of suave racers unafraid to push against the speed limit. The mini album’s name, blackout, is in reference to the literal and figurative darkness we face when we “close our eyes.” In the moments where we drift out of consciousness, we are often left to confront the inner thoughts that remain in our memory. This nuanced representation of self-reflection and growth is an ongoing theme throughout blackout.
This new chapter for CYE began with a thematic trailer focused around member JEON MINWOOK. The trailer depicts him losing his grasp on reality as time begins to shatter. As he challenges this distortion, JEON MINWOOK encounters an alternate reality where another version of himself exists in a time loop. The manipulation of time is an ongoing motif in CYE’s world-building — KENSHIN uses the ability to unite the members in ETERNALT, while SONG SEUNGHO lives through multiple timelines in Snowy Summer.
The anticipation continued with the drop of a variety episode called “black-out,” where CYE tried their hand at an escape room with a conceptual twist. The group also released a concept film depicting tension-filled moments like feeling ostracized or engaging in altercations. In times of fear and hesitation, CYE encourage audiences to rise to the occasion: “Close your eyes, and face your ‘X.’”
SOB
“SOB” was the first of blackout’s double title tracks to be released. The title, “SOB,” is in reference to the act of crying – but in CYE’s case, it is used in a taunting manner, as their confident lifestyle is one to cry for. They deliver lines like “I want the life that I have” and “Tell me how I look this good / Yeah, I got your stan so shook / I know that you wish you could.”
This track also signifies the group’s first collaboration. CYE joined forces with GRAMMY Award winning DJ Imanbek. Known for viral hits like “Belly Dancer” and “Roses – Imanbek Remix,” this release marks Imanbek’s first K-pop track. “SOB” combines Imanbek’s club sound with CYE’s performance abilities. The song features heavy bass with house-style drums and an instrumental refrain that makes dancing along irresistible.
The music video continues JEON MINWOOK’s storyline from the album trailer. JEON MINWOOK alternates between imagination and reality within the eight seconds it takes for him to hit the ground. The members all display a darker and edgier appearance – including their team mascot, CLting-i. The music video emphasizes their hard-hitting choreography, including an impressive tutting section.
To The Max
The second title track, “X,” opens the album with a sonically rich R&B flair. The song features signature R&B elements like strong harmonies and groovy brass. “X” is described in a press release as a “dance track characterized by its restrained bassline and diverse synth layers.” A key point is a vocal-focused bridge that crescendos into a climactic anti-drop, then returns back to its original pace with powerful ad-libs.
“X” conveys CYE’s constant dedication and limitless mindset. The septet push “to the max” — maximizing their potential to be the best they can be. With a storyline that resonates deeply with CYE’s personal growth, it is no surprise that CYE contributed to the song’s conception. JEON MINWOOK participated in writing lyrics, and KENSHIN contributed choreography. blackout closes with an English version of the track.
Like the continuation to a thrilling series, the music video for “X” builds on the ending of “SOB.” JANG YEOJUN is the protagonist this time around, experiencing the same disillusionment as JEON MINWOOK did before. CYE attempt to break free from the infinite time loop, and the members perform as a unit across liminal spaces that feel eerily familiar.
Paving Their Own Runway
blackout continues on a high note with the third track, “CHIC.” CYE share their own interpretation of what it means to be “chic,” coining the phrase, “Geek, chic.” Contrary to the high-fashion house sound, the lyrics reference “black-rimmed glasses” and “a book in one hand.” The song is a unique call-back to their “literature boy” concept with a stylish twist.
The following track, “2.0,” is an unexpected love letter to CLOSERs, their fanbase. “2.0” describes how CLOSERs give CYE the motivation to upgrade into better versions of themselves. Rather than the typical heartfelt ballad, “2.0” continues blackout’s use of R&B influences and creates contrast with a “transition between halftime and double-time rhythms in the chorus.”
“Who’s Dat? (Jane Doe)” highlights each member’s unique vocal tones in a fantasy-like ambiance. CYE’s falsetto delivery works in tandem with the sensual jazz vibe. The lyrics describe a meeting with an unknown presence in a dream that enchants them. All these elements come together to create a song that is mysterious, yet romantic.
CYE are more than equipped to participate in the race that is the modern world of K-pop. blackout, a truly daring project for rookies to take on, exemplifies how they fearlessly defy limitations and redefine boundaries. As they are only a little over a half a year into their career, CYE’s momentum will surely only build from here.
blackout is available to stream on music platforms. Stay up to date with CLOSE YOUR EYES on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Want more Asian-pop rookies on your radar? Check out EnVi’s exclusive feature with global girl-group A2O MAY, here!
