AB6IX Returns Stronger Than Ever at Their New Jersey Show
Photos by Jean Libert
With a broad discography of great songs and strong performance skills, AB6IX is that group that you never want to miss live. Returning for their The Future 2023 World Tour, we had a chance to catch their New Jersey stop on November 5. Those in New York might have caught their performance at the Krazy K-Pop Super Concert at the end of last summer, but here in New Jersey was a chance to really soak into their music in an intimate venue.
No longer rookies on the scene, the quartet made up of Woong, Donghyun, Woojin, and Daehwi know how to work a stage. When the lights went on there was a moment that allowed us to appreciate each of their urban styling, not to mention the jaw drop fueled by Woong’s bare arms and mesh top. Starting the night off with songs that were more “fun and exciting” per Daehwi, the momentum had begun to get everyone moving with “Resonance” being first on the list. Starting with Woojin’s deep voice, his rapline really got the night started. Pumped, they moved smoothly through their choreography from one formation to another and the momentum would continue into “LOSER,” a song from their most recent album which was performed for the first time while on this tour.
With their first ment underway, Daehwi jumped in stating, “ABNEWs, we’ve missed you so much, how have you been?” Donghyun mentioned how they were here last year for their fan meeting, but how it was actually their first time in New Jersey, which happened to be the second stop on their tour which started in Chicago. Daehwi noted, “As per the title of the Tour, THE FUTURE, we want to walk alongside you, ABNEW, into the future.”
Moving onto “Weightless” and “BLAZE,” their focus turned to the crowd and the songs themselves. With ABNEWs screaming the fan chants to “BLAZE,” you could hear the excitement in the air. With “SUCKER,” also from their latest album, the guys continued to interact with the fans and with each other. Letting everyone know that there was much more music to come, and taking a moment to comment on safety and spacing of the crowd in front of them, they introduced the next course on the menu by doing a bit of the chorus acapella. “EINSTEIN,” a catchy song with an upbeat chorus, was fun to jump and sing along to with them. Back with their moves in the “ANSWER,” we were all singing along to the “ooos” while appreciating their moves. Creating a makeshift swing with their arms in the middle as part of the choreography, they swung Woong in the air. Stating that they were celebrating their fourth year anniversary that year to cheers, Woojin announced that their next song would be “Complicated.”
As soon as the song was done, they were back to chatting with the crowd. Woojin stated that all the shouting was causing his head to ache, but he was willing for his head to crack open that night for ABNEWS. Woong noted that the previous song was written for AB6IX by Hyungwon from MONSTA X, who was credited for the track for “Complicated.” Inspired, Woong went on to state it made him think that they should also be great seniors for the newer artists and that they would work hard to show their best selves to ABNEWs as well.
Fun and games arose on the stage, as Woojin nominated Daehwi to try to do something sexy, but Daehwi deflected with a short verse from “ROSE, SCENT, KISS.” Not to be left alone, Daehwi nominated Woojin to perform aegyo, which he adorably displayed. Woojin continued and nominated Woong to perform a bit of the choreo from “SUNSET.” Though a bit flustered at first, Woong pulled it off perfectly. Donghyun knew his time was up and ran to his corner in fear, but he wasn't allowed to escape as he too was sucked into the aegyo zone before adorably running away in shame.
Tapping into their inner emotions, they tried to flush out the laughter that had filled them moments before for “NOTHING WITHOUT YOU,” but you could still see the hints of the smiles on their faces, on Woojin’s at least, at the start of the song. Riding the emotional wave further with “A LONG WINTER,” the song moved everyone there. Woojin noted that although he’s a rapper, he really enjoys ballads and really enjoyed the set.
With “SAVIOR,” their moves were back, as well as their crazy vocals. The song, a fun one with great fan chants, had everyone screaming along with them. The darker and sexier “CROW” would be the last song before they returned for the encore set, changed into concert tees. “RED UP,” “BE THERE,” and “1, 2, 3” rounded out the show. We were sad to see them go and sad there weren’t more favorites on the lineup to sing along to, but every beginning has an end and it was time for that end. Those who purchased Studio Pav’s signature polaroid selfies were allowed to stay for their shot before leaving for the day. Filled with a warm heart, great lyrics flowing in my head, and a couple selfies as well, it was time to call it a night. We hope that we’ll have the guys back soon as ABNEWs will be ready for them to follow their paths wherever they may lead.
Thank you to BRAND NEW MUSIC and especially to AB6IX for allowing us to share in the evening.