8TURN Makes Heads Turn With Their New Mini-Album, UNCHARTED DRIFT
On June 26, 8TURN released their second mini-album, UNCHARTED DRIFT. Previously known as BOM (Boys of MNH), the rookie K-Pop group consists of MYUNG HO, JAE YUN, MIN HO, YOON SUNG, HAE MIN, KYUNG MIN, YUN GYU, and SEUNG HEON. Making their debut in January 2023 with their album 8TURNRISE, the eight members shared their perspectives on waking up in a world of familiarity. The story continues in their new mini-album as the members explore the commotion of a midsummer night, where their unpredictability leads them to new adventures and goals.
UNCHARTED DRIFT offers a captivating musical experience with its five new tracks. Leading the way is the title track, “EXCEL," which achieved an astounding milestone for the group, surpassing more than 2 million views on YouTube in just one day. With lines like, “I go this hard 24/7 // Still going strong, my battery” and “Only doing big things and X-EXCEL,” the lyrics convey the powerful message of taking responsibility for one's actions and embracing the challenging path towards personal goals. The song was penned by Jo Yoon-Kyung, the talented lyricist behind their debut album's title track, “TIC TAC," which has garnered more than 7 million streams on Spotify alone.
8TURN collaborated with the global production team, THE HUB, and renowned mixing engineer Tony Maserati, who’s recognized for his work with acclaimed artists like TWICE, Alicia Keys, Selena Gomez, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears. From the captivating sounds of rock to the infectious rhythms of hip-hop and the soulful vibes of the gospel, each track within UNCHARTED DRIFT showcases the group's versatility and artistic prowess.
JAE YUN, leader of 8TURN, echoed the sentiment of their growth, stating, “We’re very thrilled to make our first comeback. We were able to prepare for our second mini album, UNCHARTED DRIFT, with great joy, thanks to all the care, wishes, support, and love we’ve received. You’ll see our growth from our first album, so please stay tuned. Also, we ask for your continued support and love for 8TURN!”
Among the notable tracks is “WORLD," featuring lyrics penned by 8TURN's rapper YUN GYU. This alternative rock and cinematic piece introduces the second universe story of 8TURN, inviting listeners into an immersive musical narrative. “WALK IT OUT" is a vibrant hip-hop and dance track that serves as a call to disconnect from the online world and embrace the joys of the offline realm. “SKETCH" delves into the expressive depths of hip-hop, exploring the rich tapestry of sound and love. Finally, "ING" concludes the album with its fusion of pop, gospel, and hip-hop elements, spreading a message of joy and happiness to all who embark on a long-lasting journey with 8TURN.