CNBlue returns to rock fans for the second time, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
LAST year, South Korean rock band CNBlue brought the house down at its inaugural Malaysian concert in Stadium Negara, which was part of its 2013 CNBlue Blue Moon World Tour.
The four members — Yonghwa, Jonghyun, Jungshin and Minhyuk — displayed high energy and enthusiasm. Coupled with upbeat music and vocals, the night was memorable for fans (who call themselves Boice).
When requests poured in for the group to come back, it did with the recent CNBlue Can’t Stop Tour Live In Malaysia at the same venue. But one can’t help but notice that the fun energy associated with the first show was missing, at least in the first half of the concert. However, things improved as the night progressed.
THE SHOW
A visual projection of a ticking clock at the back of the stage soon gave way to the opening song Time Is Over. Despite ear-splitting screams from the frenzied Boices, the members performed with vacant expressions, not even a smile.
Frontman Yonghwa delivered superb vocals, reaching the high notes effortlessly but stayed aloof.
Thankfully, they picked up pace and warmed up. They played music instruments throughout the show — Yonghwa and Jonghyun were on guitar, while Jungshin played bass and Minhyuk played drums.
Although the next two numbers, Diamond Girl and Intuition, didn’t see much improvement in mood, the Boices continued to show their love and support, cheering and singing along.
Finally, the four said “Kamilah CNBlue!” and flashed brief smiles. Yonghwa added: “CNBlue is back in Kuala Lumpur. It has been one year since (we came for) Blue Moon. Thank you for waiting. Apa khabar semua?” “Rindu kami?” (do you miss us) Jungshin asked and the fans screamed yes. “Kami pun rindu kamu!” (we miss you too).
Yonghwa then showed his skills in beat-boxing (including making some impressive turntable sounds) before the band played the next song, the upbeat and catchy Love.
The band then took it down a notch to perform These Days, a jazzy number with a moderate tempo, followed by another slow number, My Miracle — with Yonghwa on the piano while Jonghyun playing the electric guitar. Both of them sang with soft yet passionate vocals, reflecting the gentle theme of love songs.
The band then returned to playing upbeat and rock-heavy songs Blind Love, Cold Love and Robot. For Cold Love, Yonghwa displayed intense emotions through his vocals, while other members played their instruments effectively.
CNBlue then performed In My Head and this catchy tunes got the fans singing along. Near the end of the song, Yonghwa changed the lyrics from “You’re in my head,” to “Malaysia is in my head!”
As fans cheered happily, he said: “Are you having fun? Terima kash, terima kash.” Tickled, the fans laughed.
TURNING UP THE HEAT
Yonghwa then took out an acoustic guitar and together with Jonghyun, strummed some notes, before moving on to their next songs Greedy Man, Love Is and Sleepless Nights.
He then switched to an electric guitar and approached the audience while scatting to the beat of the group’s next song, the mega-hit debut single I’m A Loner.
He displayed his signature playfulness — dancing cheekily to the beat around the stage.
The band followed with other hits, Coffee Shop, I’m Sorry and Lady which saw Minhyuk impressing the crowd with his skills in drums. Yonghwa had the audience in stitches when he playfully sang with a high-pitched voice.
For the next song, Try Again Smile Again (in English), the audience sang along happily to the inspirational tune. Yonghwa played the closing notes on the piano while making eyes at the audience.
CNBlue then played their latest hit Can’t Stop, followed by Like A Child. For this, Yonghwa played random notes on the piano before smoothly sliding into the soft opening chords for Can’t Stop.
The energy picked up with the song’s upbeat chorus, which had the audience screaming in excitement, singing along while flashing lightsticks.
For the encore, CNBlue performed Wake Up, Love Girl and Love Light.
“I’m so happy to be with you. I promise we will come back soon. We hope our music becomes the light for you as it has been for me,” Yonghwa said.
Perhaps CNBlue will return with a better show next year.
They will be back
At a Press conference held the day before, Yonghwa expressed his excitement to be back here. “This will not be our last concert here. Please expect many more from us in the future,” he promised.
For the Can’t Stop Tour concert, the members said they were excited to play new music from their latest mini-album, Can’t Stop, “which showcases a more mature sound compared to our previous works”.
Yonghwa said: “The type of music that we pick for our songs depends on how we feel while making the album.”
CNBlue is one of the most popular acts in South Korea, having released numerous chart-topping singles since its debut in 2010.
“Wherever we go, we want to return the love to our fans by delivering a good show,” said Yonghwa, who is preparing for a solo debut project after the Can’t Stop Tour. The band is also looking to release a new album next year.