CNBLUE Rocks out Los Angeles and Prove Why They are the OG Kings of K-Pop Rock

All Photos: Jean Libert

Though K-Pop groups have had a prominence in the last decade, K-Pop idol bands have often taken second place. Within this year there has been an amazing influx of band tours. Of these, the band that really established a footprint in the genre is CNBLUE. Though the band has had some lineup changes in its fifteen year history, on April 24, the trio, leader Jung Yonghwa, bassist Lee Jungshin, and drummer Kang Minhyuk found themselves in front of a packed house at the NOVO, in front of new and old BOICES (their fandom), at the Los Angeles stop of their VOYAGE into X IN NORTH AMERICA Tour. From their 2010 Korean debut hit “I’m a Loner,” to their more recent “Racer,” the set list spanned their career history and had the floor rocking proving that CNBLUE is even better now than ever.

If the names or faces seem familiar, it’s because all three of these artists are also acknowledged leading men in the Korean drama sphere. Speaking to fans, many had been drawn into them via dramas such as You’re Beautiful, Cinderella with Four Knights, and Celebrity. U.S. fans have had a long wait since their 2017 KCON appearance or their last U.S. BLUE MOON tour in 2013. 

As the blinding lights on the stage turned inward, the stage became engulfed in their shade of blue. The guys sauntered in amongst a sea of smoke with the sounds of waves crashing around them guiding everyone into their world. Taking control of the night from the get go, the rhythm of the drums and the discordant tones and riffs of the guitar had the sound build up to an explosion of sound mimicked by the explosion of confetti. From the drum beats itself, fans knew that “In My Head,” was opening the night. A classic, that has a strong simple choral line that balances against its melodic phrases, was taken to another level that night. Though the original recording had former member Lee Jonghyun’s distinctive voice, the performance that night was much edgier and Yonghwa and Jungshin's voice more than made up for it. From the crazy guitar solo to the screaming upper registers, Yonghwa killed the opening. Composed by Yonghwa, who has written a good chunk of CNBLUE’s discography, the song is one originally released for the Japanese market in 2011, The sound’s heavy rock and funk sounds reverberated through the venue, but it was Yonghwa’s solid vocals that kept you grounded. “Where you are,” another early song carried the same momentum. No matter how familiar the music, the format and mastery of their instruments and their ability to play, adlib, brought off the chart energy making everything fresh and new.

Screaming, “L.A. put your hands up!” the insanity continued with “I’m Sorry.” One of the favorites that night, the band kept pumping up the crowd who were more than willing to comply. Playing off the lyrics “are you crazed?,” the answer was absolutely. The husky edge to his voice cut across the air as everyone had lightsticks pumping at a dangerous pace, jumping and dancing to the raw energy emanating from the stage. As Yonghwa screamed, “CNBLUE Forever!” the only thought that was possible then was, “Yes!.”

Chatting for the first time (apart from the earlier soundcheck) with the LA crowd, the guys took a moment to express how much they had missed everyone and introduced themselves. Yonghwa stating:

 “We are so excited to be back in Los Angeles. After about 11 years, right? I’ve been looking forward to this night for so long. Did you guys miss us? Are you sure?” Taking a vibe check, they expressed their thanks. “This latest album titled X, marks our tenth release, “X” represents not just the number ten, but endless possibilities. With this album, we aim to capture the boundless energy that defines us. Energy without limits. It’s been awhile since we performed in North America, so tonight we will show you every side of CNBLUE. Today’s setlist brings together our past, our present, and our future and we hope you enjoy every second of it.” 

The next group would incorporate some of their most powerful sounds. Starting with “Cold Love,” where the passionate melodic lines of longing fuels the rock-ballad, to the heavier “Bad Bad,” until hitting another classic, “Tattoo.” A song that is defined more by its music than lyrics, the popular song shows off Yonghwa’s rap skills, and also allows for the band to play off each other highlighting also their solo moments. Jokingly stating “we don’t have tattoos, but I want a tattoo.” A Columbian BOICE showed off their CNBLUE tattoo for them to big cheers that night.

The following song was not only their debut song, but the song that put CNBLUE on the map. An instant hit that still defines the group, “Loner (aka “I’m a  Loner, Alone”)” still hits harder than ever. Hearing it live was a gift. Shedding the leather jacket, rocking the red electric guitar, they seemed to have a blast playing the song. With the occasional dance move, thumbs up, poses and smiles, Yonghwa moved the mic from the crowd to himself, throughout the performance. Beyond the screams was just pure love and fun. “Love” followed, another early one released in 2010. The “love, love, love, everybody clap, clap, clap” had gestures and words echoing throughout the venue.

Continuing through CNBLUE's historical phase was “Coffee Shop,” which continued with the fun, groovy pop sound that made CNBLUE a band to be reckoned with. Bringing “L.A." into the lyrics, and with Jungshin grooving and dancing along with his bass guitar, Yonghwa had everyone jumping like he asked. As we had seen previously, Yonghwa’s vocal power is really something that one must experience live, which became evident again here.

The energy continued on high with “Wake Up,” a song that almost demands jumping and movement. The musical solos here also made the song. When the sound slowed to only Minhyuks’s foot drum beats echoed by everyone's claps, the call and answer of “wake up” sung off of Yonghwa’s high guitar notes and ensuing acapella tone showed that he truly had the house in the palm of his hands. 

Bringing out the keyboard and slowing down the pace, the next segment would be focused on more of the ballads. Starting out was “To. My Love,”  Yonghwa’s self proclaimed favorite song. The sad lyrics matched his amazing voice with all its soft husky undertones. “Then, Now and Forever,” followed, opening with just Yonghwa and his keyboard. His voice, emoting through every word, was heartfelt, and the silent pause before the rest of the band came in was like a long sigh. As the band folded in the feeling pumped up with the music. Guitar back in hand, “A Sleepless Night” brought up the tempo back up slowly as a nice transition song.

Taking us back to 2011, it was time for another classic with “Intuition.” In no time everyone was jumping and dancing again with arms pumping. With his flawless rap segments throughout the song, the room was energized. That energy would just level up with “Racer” and “99%.” Dancing and singing along as the show moved onto its final set, Yonghwa did his best to soothe everyone’s hearts. Stating, “Tonight’s show will stay in our hearts forever. Thank you so much L.A., we love you.” Jungshin also popped in to add in stating, “I want to come back to the states as soon as possible.” 

Starting the last set with “Cinderella," the guitar was shed and Yonghwa was ready to get down with the crowd. With the focus on his vocals, he danced and moved around the stage to the popular hit. In no time, it was time for another hit, “Between Us.” Singing along to songs that are old friends for BOICEs, it was great to see Yonghwa break loose and dance around with the music. The last official song of the night was “Radio” as voices were lost from singing the “o’s” at unknown decibels. 

After a short pause, the guys came out in CNBLUE shirts, Yonghwa jumping onto the keyboard and ad libbing tunes and lyrics slowly transitioning into the beginning keys of “Can’t Stop.” With a few last words of thanks from all the members, also introducing the guitarist they had with them on this tour, they took a photo moments before concluding the night. Guitar in hand, “Love Light” began and then finally concluded with “Young Forever.” 

It was a night with amazing music; a night filled with nostalgia as well as a night in the presence of fabulous veteran performers who know how to light up a crowd. With a confidence built on experience and songs that still tug at the heartstrings, which also make you dance and jump, it was certainly a night to remember. Clearly 11 years was too long of a break from the last tour and fans, old and new, will certainly be waiting for them again. As the answer and call that Yonghwa had everyone scream through the night, CNBLUE…Forever.