2Z is an interesting band in modern Korean pop-rock. Since their debut in 2020, the five-piece, comprising Hojin, Jiseob, Bumjun, Nua, and ZUNON, is known for its hard rock, alternative, and new wave influences. While there is a huge enjoyment when listening to their music, I have to say – after seeing them in London – their sound translates most powerfully in a live setting.

The group, after performing in various countries around the world, has finally made its way to London. Their show took place at the Courtyard Theatre, and WOW, from the moment they stormed through the crowd and jumped on stage, it was a damn good rock & roll moment. Opening with Borderline, from their ninth EP Highness, the band instantly locked into a tight, guitar-driven sound that was fresh yet reflected the spirit of early 2000s rock while still firmly their own. Followed by a confident take on One More Time, Hojin exclaimed, “Finally, we are here in London… are you ready to rock?” and, with a roar, 2Z tore straight into the first chords, leaving nothing held back.

With Siren, off their third EP, Song 4 U, the band leaned into atmosphere, the intro effect cutting through the room before giving way to a fuller, layered sound. From their full studio album ACT1, O@SIS came next, with a slightly different arrangement that added a fresh edge. Tracks like Luv Affair and 25 kept the pace steady, while their covers of Naughty Boy and Home Sweet Home revealed another side to their musical identity. Rather than simply recreating the originals, 2Z made them their own, with the bassist occasionally stepping in vocally.

6 (SIX) – short but great – led into Dizzy (아찔해), which delivered a distinctly 1990s rock feel while the band fully unleashed their energy. The rhythm section was especially strong, with the drums driving everything forward with great force, proving once again that the drummer is truly the heartbeat of a rock band.

Not Without U – beginning with a softer intro and spoken elements – gradually built into something far more powerful, bringing to mind the grandeur of Coldplay. Later, 2Z Anthem united the room. By the time they reached 2020 March and the encore, including ACT1 and Superstar, knees were shaking. The Toast (In the Name of Hero) followed, before the show closed with Outro / Rainbow.

Summing up their London show, the live vocals were good throughout with music that’s refreshingly real. The interplay between instruments was beautifully balanced, the guitars sharp, the bass grounding, and the keyboard adding that unexpected old-school touch. They moved easily between Korean and English tracks, emphasising their global reach without compromising their identity. Many bands work within this space, but 2Z bring something truly special; it’s in their energy and the way they connect. I arrived as a journalist, but somewhere between Borderline and Not Without U, I realised I left as a fan.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

_{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.}