Boice finds its voice for CNBlue
The South Korean boy band stirs up another frenzy at Impact
NO MATTER HOW often South Korean pop-rock band CNBlue perform in Thailand, they never fail to impress. Their most recent show at Impact Arena, part of the “Come Together” tour, was no exception.
This time the concert, another full-scale production with great lighting and sound effects, was promoting their second full-length album, “2gether”, which explores a new direction in electronic dance music.
The fans of CNBlue famously call themselves Boice (mixing “Blue” and “voice”) and their roar was deafening when Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Jong Hyun, Kang Min Hyuk and Lee Jung Shin hit the stage. The boys launched into the funky rock and synth pop of “Domino” and “Hide and Seek”, both from the new album.
Next up was “I’m a Loner”, controversial after the band’s two songwriters were accused of plagiarism, but they were cleared and now wear the track with pride.
All four lads cried out in unison, “Sawasdee khrub, CNBlue khrub!” and then offered individual greetings. “I’m very glad to see you again,” drummer Min Hyuk declared. “Are you also happy to see us?”
“I’d like all the fans to enjoy our concert,” said bassist Lee Jung Shin. “I feel very excited to come back to Thailand and see you again,” bandleader-guitarist Yong Hwa added. “Cheewit dee dee rak na jub jub!” And guitarist Jong Hyun called out, “Let’s all enjoy this concert!”
Yong Hwa had more to say as he sat down at an electric piano. “Bangkok, I can’t stop loving you!” That was the cue for “Can’t Stop”, to be followed to the irresistible dance tunes “Rollercoaster”, “Coffee Shop” and “I’m Sorry”.
The vibe softened with “Lady” and then Yong Hwa invited the crowd to sing along on “Hero”. Jong Hyun did a turn on acoustic guitar for “Irony” and then handed it to Yong Hwa for the melancholy “Stay Sober”.
“Is everybody enjoying themselves?” Min Hyuk asked before they played “I’m Happy”. The fans got rocking again to “Holiday” and “Catch Me” with its old-school synth sound.
The fun factor kicked up even more for the catchy pop rock and disco rhythms of “Cinderella”, for which the Boice devotees donned crowns for their four princes onstage.
The show closed with the electronic rock tune “Radio” and another round of heartfelt pronouncements from the boys. “Bangkok, you are the best” was the prevailing sentiment.
They were back after a short wait, though, performing “Try Again Smile Again” and being rewarded with a big cake to celebrate their sixth anniversary. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” in a truly impressive moment.
Finally there were “Love Light” and “Hold My Hands”, and then the four idols spent a while having their pictures taken with the fans.
