August 18th was truly a night to remember! W24’s concert was held at The Garage in London, and the band quickly swept away fans with their two-hour show. With dynamic music and a powerful stage appearance, the group delivered a one-of-a-kind show that left us craving for more. But let’s start from the beginning…
The opening notes of Drive (Japanese version), a song from their 2023 release Born Again, set the tone for the night ahead. Howon’s (the leader and vocalist) clean vocals resounded with precision, engaging the crowd right from the start. Transitioning effortlessly, the band launched into Breath, a Pop-Rock song, showing W24’s solid energy. Howon’s full-of-life performance added more to the already exciting atmosphere, and his rallying cry of, “London, are you ready to sing?!”, was met with extremely loud cheers.
A brief interlude brought the members to the forefront for a moment, where they shared their joy of being back for their third UK tour.
As the night progressed, W24 presented their creativity with songs like Under the Tree and Yeah, blending elements of K-pop into their repertoire. The balance of vocal contributions from Yunsoo and Jonggil proved that they are more than just a band. Always Missing You, from their 2018 debut album, Singing Dancing, presented the group’s range as they moved to a slower tune. The band’s musical diversity certainly shone through as they easily switch from Rock to Pop tracks, leaving us even more impressed with their talent.
During their performance of the upbeat Coupon Man, though Aaron’s absence was felt, the band’s musical arrangement remained strong. Over the Rainbow harkened back to 90s Rock vibes, with Jonggil drumming and Howon’s confident vocals compelling the stage. The crowd’s energy reflected the band’s enthusiasm resulting in intense participation.
During a short break, the members were able to express their gratitude for the warm reception they received from the UK audience. The band’s genuine connection with their fans and their appreciation for the tour added a personal touch to the night. Energising the crowd once again, W24 performed RUAH and a mesmerising cover of Lenny Kravitz’s Are You Gonna Go My Way. They surely lived up to Lenny’s greatness.
As the evening moved forward, the emotional Song of Songs, from their 2022 WHITE ALBUM, and their tender rendition of Fine highlighted W24’s “powers” to bring out emotions, with Song of Songs causing a few tears here and there.
The band also performed I am Down and the beloved J♡B=LOVE which, without a doubt, cemented their reputation as diverse, humble, fun, and talented musicians. Each member’s contribution was essential to the band’s energy. Also, the crowd’s age diversity was a great surprise, from teenagers to fans in their 20s to people in their 30s and 40s. This alone shows that W24 is one of the most accessible South Korean bands out there.
Another heartfelt moment expressed W24’s yearning for Aaron’s return from his military service. The group also showed unity through the performance of Missing J, inviting the fans to join them in a touching gesture dedicated to Aaron, singing “Missing A” rather than “Missing J”. Solfamiredo, from their 2019 second mini-album, STAY A MOMENT, added a burst of energy with its groovy and Pop-infused sound. Yunsoo’s electric guitar riff and the band’s effortless coordination had the crowd dancing and jumping in unison. The Pop-Punk Revelation saw Howon show his impressive vocal agility, jogging in place while singing with incredible precision. And Lonely Twist brought a fusion of Pop-Rock and 90s vibes. Yunsoo and Jonggil’s skilful execution of guitar and drum solos highlighted their musical skills yet again.
The encore performances left the fans awestruck, bringing the memorable night to a fitting conclusion. W24’s capability to connect, entertain, and inspire through their music left an impression not only on us but on the audience too, guaranteeing that the memory of their performance will continue long after the final note.
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Written by Maggie Gogler
View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.
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