Whenever I attend K-pop concerts, my expectations are usually middling. However, MCND is one of those groups that I had high hopes for. Having witnessed their stage energy and talent two years ago in London, I made a personal commitment to see MCND again after I learned that the group was returning to the same venue: the O2 Academy Islington.

After debuting in 2020 with their single, ICE AGE, MCND quickly turned out to be a promising rookie group. And now, with more improved vocals, they finally hit the road with their second tour, ODD VENTURE, taking place in Europe and the US. 

Whenever you attend any sort of concert, you know that you will be met with the absolutely deafening screams of fans, and it wasn’t different this time either. MCND’s show began with the dynamic beats of ODD-VENTURE, an ode to their recent fifth mini-album of the same title. Dressed in funky outfits, the group, though visibly fatigued, beamed with charm through their singing and dancing. Followed by Cruise, MCND effortlessly switched to a more Hip-hop sound, and as they danced intensely, the lyrics, “let’s groove with my crew”, made me stomp my feet as if I was at a dance class. After a very energetic performance of the two aforementioned songs, the group exclaimed, “What’s up, London?”, and introduced themselves, showing their delight at returning to the capital.

After the ment, MCND sang Crush from their 2021 album, MCND AGE. With its thrilling rap section and unstoppable energy, these young men knew how to keep the crowd entertained. Huijun’s lightning-quick dance demonstration was also impressive. Riding on an energetic beat, they perfectly translated it into a stage performance.

Pop Star presented MCND’s sunny personalities, and their joyful dancing was catered to the K-pop fans present at the show. The engaging VCR background truly complemented the adorable Cat Dancing, creating a delightful feel to the performance. Taking a moment to slow down with Stereotype, MCND engaged in a heartwarming and fun “dialogue” between members while singing, putting a personal touch into the song. After performing Loosen Up, the group sang Treasure, a slow-vibe track that was written with their fans in mind. Back to You came next, a ballad that displayed the group’s live vocals beautifully; Huijun and Minjae in particular, especially when they took centre stage with their well-executed high notes. The atmospheric switch continued with BLOW, featuring a change of outfits and a deliberate focus on vocals, and that included rapping from Castle J, Win, and BIC. 

PLAYER emerged as a powerhouse of a song, turning the venue into the biggest house party I could ever imagine. Moving to the dance-fuelled beats of nanana, the song was performed well despite not being one of my favourites. The core element of the group’s signature rap style dominated the set, marked by loud and relentless shouting. Spring and LAUDER maintained the momentum, creating a highly dynamic atmosphere once again.

The second part of the concert began with JUICE which brought even more intensity with its strong rhythm and rap section. While Play Pungak invited the audience into a fun sing-along, H.B.C brought forth a powerful rap and vocal delivery, elevated by visuals. Changing into white shirts reminiscent of medieval knights, the group brought a unique aesthetic to Run. W.A.T.1 in English, supported by a background VCR, which paved the way for Not Over from their 2021 release, and the show concluded with songs such as #MOOD and ICE AGE.

Throughout the group’s performance, MCND not only showed their vigour but also their youthful stage presence. Despite their ongoing journey to secure a special spot in the competitive K-pop market, the group’s hard work shone through. While more elaborate staging could have enhanced the visual experience, MCND’s genuine talent, tough grind, and delightful personas made their London concert an unmissable celebration of K-pop music. 

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Written by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is an 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.}