Music
Review
TXT take The O2 Arena on the journey of youth
The K-Pop giants make their much-awaited UK debut for the Act: Promise – EP. 2 World Tour
For some performers, an audience having great expectations before a concert could be to their detriment as they feel pressure to fulfil and deliver on these standards. If these fans have been waiting six years for a concert in London, or anywhere in Europe for that matter, it’s clear this anticipation is through the roof. More specifically, the roof of the O2 Arena where thousands of fans pack in to finally get the chance to see K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together, more commonly known as TXT, as they embark on the European leg of the Act: Promise – EP. 2 World Tour.
I will admit, I too held these expectations; there is a standard that should be delivered upon. Coming away from the concert, much to my satisfaction, it is abundantly clear that members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai do exactly that.
Most of the time in K-Pop, artists or ‘idols’ will have specific roles within the group such as main vocal, lead dancer or centre (where a member is always to be found in the middle), but the members of TXT have never had set positions. This decision could have been down to the fact that each member is versatile and can fill whichever role is required for each song. Be it melodious vocals, meticulous dance moves or captivating stage presence, each member’s unique charm shines through.
There is a lot of lore behind TXT to sink your teeth into, but the progression of songs throughout the show is clearly carefully considered as the setlist tells a story, constructed into five different sections taking the audience on a journey. From thinking back on the past and the stark and often difficult realities of growing up in youth, to renowned hope and optimism in their dreams, they manage to showcase the essence of the group’s ethos into the three hour set. I never thought I would be part of crowd of thousands of people screaming ‘I’m a loser!’ but here we are, and it feels liberating.
There is another side to TXT where they reflect upon some of the positive aspects of youth with elements of fantasy and freedom. On ‘Magic’, the lyrics tell the tale of someone who, despite once being afraid and alone, found someone special who rejuvenated them with strength just by being a part of their life. It feels very fitting that this is the final song of the show, with this sentiment being sung out as the group danced around the stage and interacted with the crowd. Closing with Magic is a message to all MOA (the name of TXT’s fanbase) that their love and support brings positivity, hope and, as expressed in the song, gives them (TXT) life. It feels like this sentiment is returned to TXT too, as the arena’s crowd passionately sings the words right back to the group with every bit as much energy and feeling. The result is a tangible one, so that even if fans didn’t know the meaning behind that songs or came to the concert with a blank slate, their message surpasses a language barrier and is understood.
The themes of which TXT sing about are beautifully aided by the accompanying outfits and VCR changes that paint the big screens. The aura of the opening song ‘Over The Moon’ feels romantic and reminiscent as they recall memories from their past. Looking like a wedding aisle set under the moon, the scene is decorated with red flowers as the sky drifts between summery blues to an amorous reds. Add to that the groom-like suits, and you get the picture. There’s another level of dreaminess when sprinkles of red confetti are released, mimicking the fluttering of rose petals on the stage while animated ones float past on the screen.
These renderings had different elements added to them in order to fit the theme of the songs being performed. Take ‘Devil by the Window’, for example – a song about temptation and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, yearning and fear – where the once serene looking train tracks with a gorgeous sunset gets a bit darker, a bit creepier and with distortions throughout the song.
As well as an understanding of the songs messages, the emotion could be felt, too. This is especially true of the ‘Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go’: members Beomgyu and Taehyun have co-writing credits on the song and Beomgyu also co-produced it too, maybe adding to the reason it feels even more personal.
‘Thursday’s Child’ is dancey and uplifting, but the height of the night’s energy and tension comes during the second half of the concert, illustrating the peak of teenage angst, hurt and anger. They perform powerful, rock-inspired songs tracks such as ‘Good Boy Gone Bad’ and ‘Growing Pain’ with a sense of rebellion but also stead-fast determination. The members wear leather biker jackets as fiery pyrotechnics fire in a clear distinction in the development of the journey being shown to us and a reminded me of the group’s versatility.
With so much weight often put on Western validation and trends, it is refreshing and always special when a K-Pop group incorporates elements of their own culture into performances, showing pride and appreciation for their roots. With the members dressed in Hanboks, beautifully decorated Korean fans in hand and traditional Korean music being interwoven into their instrumentals, the result is truly breathtaking. While it was only for a couple songs, ‘Sugar Rush Ride’ and ‘Farewell, Neverland’, the impact is huge and is undoubtedly the night’s highlight.
The meaning behind the name Tomorrow X Together is “Different people coming together under one dream in hopes of building a better tomorrow,” as they themselves put it. As I leave the venue, seeing lots of happy faces and happy tears, it is obvious that thousands of people have done exactly that – even if they did have to wait six years.
