Even before XLOV stepped on stage, Troxy already felt alive; the venue was packed top to bottom, and rightfully so. The evening opened with a series of dance cover stages, a mix of young dancers interpreting familiar choreography.

When XLOV finally appeared, Troxy was the perfect home for them. The spacious layout worked to their advantage, giving their choreography the space to open up and move freely. Under the lights, they looked stunning, almost angelic in presence.

Yet beneath the sparkle, there was a noticeable theatricality in how their identity is presented. As a group openly embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, their presence bears real significance. Which is why the barely visible support – no pride flags, no banners, only a token acknowledgment on stage, except at the very end when a few fans brought out their flags – felt disheartening. Not because anyone questions who they are, but because it seemed like something was being held back.

In a country where queer rights are protected and celebration is possible, XLOV’s silence is more cautious. For older generations, who fought hard, sometimes painfully, for visibility and safety, seeing queerness softened or commercialised without open solidarity can feel uncomfortable. The love for these young artists is undeniable, but the company’s careful, almost restrained handling of their image risks turning authenticity into marketing. And that does neither the group nor the community justice.

XLOV began their performance with Rizz. The lighting was vivid and beautiful, matching the quartet’s colourful personas. Their styling – hair, makeup, costumes – was immaculate as always, and their choreography remained tight and engaging. But exhaustion showed at the edges. The smiles weren’t quite as bright as they must have been on the first night of the tour. During the ment, Rui’s warmth touched my soul immediately. Each member spoke with care, promising to share positive energy and reminding fans to stay safe.

Performance-wise, the night moved between live vocals and lip-syncing. At times, it was hard to tell where one ended, and the other began, but when the microphones were clearly on – especially during the more stripped-back or duo moments – their vocals truly shone. There’s real power there. I especially loved their performances of I’mma Be and 1 of LOV. And songs like Angel Baby and Kiss and Say Goodbye allowed their tone to sparkle, softer and more vulnerable. Even their cover of Rihanna’s Diamonds felt genuinely special.

Francis Novotny’s Hit & Run also found its way onto the setlist, as well as Black Pink’s Lovesick Girls.

But fatigue was impossible to ignore. The schedule felt relentless, almost punishing. In moments, their voices trembled slightly – not from lack of skill, but from simple human tiredness. No artist should have to push through that level of exhaustion night after night. Despite a relatively small repertoire, XLOV delivered a beautiful show. They danced hard, sang when they could, and gave everything they had left. Visually and emotionally, they draw you in. You want to root for them.

You just wish the company would give them, and what they represent, more freedom. Because when they’re allowed to simply be themselves, without careful packaging or overworked schedules, they GLOW! 

Drip Drip, 1&Only, and Biii:p closed the show.

All in all, their first European tour has been an incredible success, selling out venues across the continent, with fans already hoping for even more countries on future stops. I truly hope that, one day, XLOV – free to follow their own path – can host a grand LGBTQ celebration where everyone is invited to embrace and joyfully celebrate their queerness in and out, with flags, banners, chants, and whatever your gorgeous soul desires! 

Rating:

Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Nicole Rayo for View of the Arts

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. As we continue to grow, we aim to deepen our coverage of Asian music while remaining committed to exploring and celebrating creativity across the global arts landscape.}