How Wave to Earth Shook New York City
With lines that wrapped around the block, the second night of wave to earth at New York City's Irving Plaza on September 9 was just a party waiting to happen. With a tour that boasted sold out stops throughout its path across the U.S., stops were added as the excitement escalated. This show was particularly special as it was the first stop of the tour to be livestreamed.
The show opened with the charismatic R&B artist known as slchld (pronounced Seoulchild). Laid back and mellow in his pink Supreme sweater, slchld (aka Jang Doohyuk) proved how a voice could melt a room. With songs such as “lone summer” and “maybe we need a break,” his voice set up what would be an amazing night of music. The floor was completely engrossed, and when it was time for Wave to Earth to take their place, the room was more than ready for it.
Photo by Roger Tam | KOHAI
The screams as the trio walked on stage were deafening. Kicking off with a musical intro, the band soon transitioned into “Bad.” Released earlier this year, the song was clearly a favorite as lyrics exploded from everyone’s lips. The sound of the song sung in unison shook the room. The energy was already insane as the music moved to their 2019 debut single “wave.” Daniel Kim's steady voice, the member responsible for most of their tracks, belied the vibrant energy and screams in the room. As the night progressed, so did the level of their music. With John Cha on the bass guitar and Dong Q on drums, the trio proved their rock chops with intermittent solos and crazy musical breaks throughout their set. Listening to Wave to Earth online doesn’t do justice to them at all, as their stage cred was confirmed that night. Though Seoul-based, their music is primarily in English. It was interesting to witness the contrast to the more rock based SE SO NEON who had graced that very stage the week prior.
Ahead of their next song, “evening glow,” John explained, “So we always wanted to be the next wave on the band scene, that’s why wave to earth is wave to earth. Thank you for being on the same wave that we’re going on.” Ahead of “Pink," John was on the mic again to translate one of their few songs in Korean. The melodic interludes in the song were lovely, but the ending guitarist's solo is where the song burst to life. Words were unnecessary as the music took over.
Photo by Roger Tam | KOHAI
As one guy yelled, "I love your glasses," Daniel responded, "I love you too," causing screams across the room. As the screams died, the next song started softly, the simple gentle melody from the chords filling the air before the punch of sound as everyone joined in. In “Love," the musical crescendo live hit harder than on the recording.
With the intro solo by Daniel, the framework was set ahead of "Daisy." Daniel and John jumped in unison during the chorus and showed that they were having a blast. "Sunny Days" was next and the melodic sound brought the energy down a notch as heads bobbed across the venue floor.
With the following ment, Daniel expressed that despite taking care of himself, he had a sore throat, but would do his best before breaking into the heavily vocal "Calla." Though sung beautifully, you could see moments of frustration as he tried to push his throat through the notes of the song. The beauty of the song projected regardless, almost touching more because of the effort behind them.
Photo by Roger Tam | KOHAI
Ahead of "Pueblo," John asked the room to repeat the melody after him louder and louder. Once the song began, Daniel's voice flowed so clearly that you couldn't discern that there were issues moments prior. The song’s “ba bababa ba” lines were sung in rounds around the room as John pumped out an impressive guitar solo. But, he wasn't the only one given a moment to shine as Don Q killed the drums next.
Before the last song prior to the encore, intros were finally made. First with the bassist, John, who gave a little solo still in his shades with a smile that could charm anyone. Next was Don Q's drum solo as well as introductions and shows of gratitude to the production staff. Last, but not least, John made the introduction to the guy that "has the most loveliest voice in the world, Daniel Kim." Daniel proceeded to rip that guitar with a fabulous solo before putting the guitar away to sing "light."
Encores immediately followed with barking filling the air. The trio made it back on stage to cheers, shouts of love, and a feeling of camaraderie as they got their bearings together for the real final songs of the night. Ending with "seasons,” arguably their most popular song, the show ended as it had started, with the sounds of singing from the entire venue.
With the last encore, the show was done. Memories were made, and everyone who was there knew that this was a group that must be seen live at all costs. We hope to see them back in New York soon. If they’re coming your way, there’s no need to hesitate buying a ticket. This show is a party that you will not want to miss.
Edited by Cara Musashi