The K-rock scene just got a vibrant new addition! Fresh from Mnet’s demanding global band-making survival show “Steal Heart Club,” the highly anticipated five-member group Splayit officially debuted with their first album, “SPLAY : CHAPTER 01.” The band, composed of vocalist Yoonchan, drummer Eunbin, keyboardist and sub-vocalist Kyunguk, guitarist Aydn, and bassist Eunchan, held their debut showcase at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam District on Thursday, marking a thrilling new chapter for the local rock landscape.
Rock band Splayit poses ahead of the release of its debut album “SPLAY : CHAPTER 01” at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam District, Thursday. Courtesy of LM, Kakao Entertainment
Hours before the album’s 6 p.m. drop, Splayit took their first official stage, performing tracks and sharing their excitement. Vocalist Yoonchan expressed his anticipation, saying, “When I first heard we were debuting, I thought the five of us would make our journey so much fun. I could see a clear concept and real synergy, so I was excited. I’m grateful to the fans and the staff who got us to this moment.”
Unveiling Splayit: Name, Members, and Vision
The band’s unique name, Splayit, is a clever fusion of “splay” and “play it,” reflecting the members’ ambition to musically showcase their individual charms. Guitarist Aydn revealed how perfectly the name fit their vision: “It suited the kind of music we make and the ambitious direction we’re heading, which is why it beat the other candidates.”
K-rock band Splayit / Courtesy of LM, Kakao Entertainment
“SPLAY : CHAPTER 01”: A Deep Dive into Their Debut Sound
“SPLAY : CHAPTER 01” is a three-track journey that immediately showcases Splayit’s diverse sound. The album’s first lead track, “Last bus,” offers an emotional narrative wrapped in bright, uptempo band instrumentation. This song, which paints a picture of free and luminous youth, was notably written, composed, arranged, and produced by Green Bottle Headquarters, the acclaimed production team led by singer-songwriter Lee Mu-jin. Keyboardist Kyunguk shared the song’s sentiment, ” ‘Last bus’ holds the shining moments of youth. We tried to carry those feelings warmly but without overplaying them, so anyone can feel the flutter of a time they’ve already passed through.” Yoonchan added to the excitement, confessing, “It’s such a good song that I thought we had to work hard to do it justice.” The band also took valuable advice from Lee Mu-jin’s team, who emphasized the importance of developing a unique color. Kyunguk recalled, “They told us that to be an artist people remember, you need your own color. They said they hoped we’d have a sound and a sensibility no one could imitate, so we spent time looking for that.”
Contrastingly, the double lead track “Domino” pulses with a harder, faster energy. It cleverly likens each day to a falling domino, delivering a hopeful message for those feeling unsteady. This track boasts significant member involvement, with all five participating in the arrangement, performance, and even recording vocals. Aydn highlighted a fan-favorite detail, “For ‘Domino,’ every member recorded vocals so fans could hear all of us. Our youngest, Eunchan, sounds especially cute on his part, and that one stuck with me.”
Rock band Splayit poses ahead of the release of its debut album “SPLAY : CHAPTER 01” at Ilchi Art Hall in Seoul’s Gangnam District, Thursday. Courtesy of LM, Kakao Entertainment
Closing out the debut album is “Celebration,” a vibrant cheering song that maintains Splayit’s signature bright and open band sound.
Global Aspirations and a Promise to Fans
Looking ahead, vocalist Yoonchan articulated the band’s heartfelt aspirations: “I want us to be a band whose music gives people strength at the end of a tiring day. Music you like more the longer you listen to it, that settles into fans’ daily lives, and eventually earns recognition beyond Korea.” With a clear vision and a fresh sound, Splayit is poised to make a significant mark, not just in K-rock, but on the global stage.
