ALL(H)OURS U.S. Leg of Their First FanConTour Brings Mind Blowing Moves and Excitement to New Jersey
Photos by: Jean Libert
If you’ve been looking for a rookie group and have not yet checked out ALL(H)OURS, you’ve been clearly missing out. On February 13, the septet arrived onto the stage in New Jersey’s White Eagle Hall to an excited crowd ready to welcome them stateside. Overflowing with charisma and excitement, the group under EDEN Entertainment with members Kunho, Youmin, Xayden, Minje, Masami, Hyunbin, and ON:N showed what it means to put on a live show. Though they debuted on January 10, 2024, with their first mini-album ALL OURS, this was their first experience stateside and they weren’t afraid to give their all for their Min(ut)es (their fandom). With live vocals, moves and choreography that surprised this seasoned concert attendee, ALL(H)OURS truly lived up to their name as they truly gave it their all. The ALL(H)OURS 1st FANCON ALL the HOURS tour was on and since then they’ve been giving their all to every city along the way.
Amongst the smoke, the members arose out of the mist and light onto the stage, as a video on the backdrop had the hands of a clock clicking the seconds behind them. Opening with “WAO WAO,” the guys burst onto the stage full-out with their powerful choreo kicking off with a full body flip by Youmin that had jaws dropping before there was even time to digest what was happening. The energy was next level from the start. Whether it was from the sexy vibes with Xayden and Hyunbin’s flow, the overall vocals highlighted by the “golden maknaes” ON:N and Kunho, or the fluid double and triple pirouettes, the opening stage showed just how all in and ready they were for this show. “READY 2 RUMBLE” was a stage that nobody was really ready for. Playing with the boxing motifs and body rolls, the the guys showed their impressive vocal steadiness despite the full on execution of their choreography.
The energy emitted with the first two songs had them dripping ahead of their first ment. Starting from left to right: from the “Osaka Prince” Masami to Hyunbin, they each said a few words of introduction welcoming everyone and sharing their excitement for being in New Jersey for the first time. Xayden noted that they had arrived the night before and that they hadn’t yet fully adjusted to the time zone but that the energy received from Min(ut)es gave them strength. Kunho noted his desire to check out Six Flags Great Adventure, provided they had the time (sadly I believe this would have to be another visit). What was most noticeable was the ease and camaraderie between the members as they mostly conversed in English, clearly demonstrating just how much they had prepared for this moment. Asking fans for cheers, it was time to move onto the next song.
They immediately gathered in the middle of the stage for “GOTCHA.” It’s hard pressed not to be impressed by their choreography as their transitions between formations were fast and seamless. Though seasoned rookies, the complexity of their formations, combined with their explosive energy made the performance come alive and the same energy flowed into
“GRAFFITI.” Now somewhat accustomed to the pace, it was easier to focus on each member and it was clear that nobody was lacking their roles. Minje and Youmin’s vocals balanced out the song, and Masami’s tone was the perfect edge it needed.
Taking another breather, Hyunbin asked everyone if they were having a good time, which everyone yelled to the positive. At the same time, it was hard not to focus on Xayden, who had removed his jacket for this ment, exposing his loosely fit gray tank top and muscular arms. Masami took the reins stating that the next song was his favorite and showed some of his moves to the delight of everyone there. They were indeed ready to “DO IT.” This stage completed the first set ahead of game time. Everyone who has experienced a “FANCON” knows that the difference is not just a concert, but a show where the artists are meant to share more in depth moments with their fans. Games are a given, usually with hilarity, adlib vocals and with some surprising moments and this one was no difference. Xayden started out saying that it was time for penalties and the sexy dance, setting the tone from the start. This was time for the guys to have some fun with each other and with their Min(ut)es who couldn’t wait to cheer them on. With kisses, sexiness, slaps and cuteness, the members gave their all to their Min(ut)es.
The games started with individual missions. Though each mission was unique, the ones that stood out were Masami’s ten elephant spins going into a triple pirouette and Xayden’s kiss or slap mission (many cheek kisses). The sexy dance penalty went to Kunho, Youmin and ON:N and the three made moves that had the floor screaming.
With the game portion completed, it was time for the next stage. “Bout That Issue” had a smoother pace but that was just a buffer as “SHOCK” popped that power switch back on. Before long it was time for the first break of the night as the guys went back to change and get ready for their unit covers.
The stage opened up to the first trio, Xayden, Masami, Hyunbin covering “Trendsetter” by Connor Price and Haviah Mighty. The rap unit showed off their laid back flow as they vibed to the pace of the song that completely suited their generational vibe. With a vocal unit made up of Kunho, Youmin, Minje and ON:N, it was Shawn Mendes’ “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” that took the spotlight. With none of the chill of the rap unit, the four singers had so much fun with the song it was impossible not to sing along and jump with them.
The guys took a moment to explain their chosen songs just before jumping into “Blah Blah.” For once there was no intense choreography for a track by them, but that didn’t diminish the power of the “Blahs.” It instead highlighted the vocals and the charisma of the individual members. Taking another cover, another one everyone was familiar with, BTS’ “Blood Sweat & Tears,” where the crew gave homage to the song in all the best ways demonstrating their vocals and rap skills again in the song.
Youmin stated in the ment that followed that they had switched to a “sexier vibe” after the VCR, wanting to show another side of ALL(H)OURS. Asking if the transformation could be felt, it was met with cheers to the affirmative. This sexy vibe continued with the next stage, “Freaky Fresh,” as intended. Youmin and Masami’s patent jackets casually falling wayside only enhanced the vibe. If the intention was to have them “stuck inside” our heads, they succeeded.
It was soon time for the last set and the words before it by each member hit the heartfelt chords they wanted it to. Showing their gratitude, they each said a few words, though Xayden’s stating New Jersey was “a place that I always wanted to visit” hit a bit of skepticism with the floor which contained many New Yorkers (no shade to NJ). Overall the guys expressed their desire to return to the Garden State and reaffirmed their excitement of being in New Jersey.
The next set would be a personal favorite. The dancing was on another level even for this seasoned concert goer. Without mics, the focus was all dance with an instrumental “PSYCHO MANTRA.” The fast pace with pockets of intentional slow-motion and the occasional acrobatic flip just casually thrown in was a feast for the eyes. The septet strength as a dance crew was just as strong as their strength as an idol group with their unity parried against their occasional playful expressions that only added another dimension. This followed by “GIMME GIMME,” though not the last song of the night, somehow made the evening complete. One of the most popular songs on their roster, if based on Spotify listens, the song is infectious.
Returning in their merch T-shirts after a VCR for their encore, they jumped into “Racer” before “ALL OURS.” Taking time for fan service, making eye contact with their fans in the crowd, the song was for Min(ut)es, old and new, ending in one of the tightest group hugs ever witnessed. Ending on a high note with the most ear-wormy song in their repertoire, it was time for another round of “GIMME GIMME.” When they yelled, “are you ready to jump?,” everyone was in the air ready for another round (or two). Jumping continued with the return of “SHOCK” as the final song of the night. Here, ON:N’s dance solo had jaws dropping. Throughout the show, the golden maknae lived up to his reputation as his vocals, moves and expressions lit up the stage. That, balanced by Xayden’s sexiness and Kunho’s charisma, had the trio as the most popular selfie members to purchase in the photo op that followed the show.
The show was a solid testament to a group that clearly deserves more hype and attention. With killer moves, energy, sexiness and charisma, ALL(H)OURS delivered that night. The only criticism would be a desire for a couple songs that could balance out the energy with a slower pace that could really show off the vocals that the guys clearly have. The time flew by and to have ALL(H)OURS finally stateside was definitely worth the wait to get them here. Continuing across the U.S. the tour would hit other cities with the same energy that they showed in New Jersey leaving behind a lingering energy that just asks for them to return so that they could “GIMME GIMME” some more.
Thank you to EDEN Entertainment, Studio Pav, Helix Publicity and mostly to ALL(H)OURS for having us.