Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
R&B star Crush's voice is wonder at 'Wonderlost' concerts
R&B singer Crush opens his two-night concert series at Olympic Hall in Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of Amoeba Culture
By Kwak Yeon-soo
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Korean R&B artist Crush's rich-toned voice was a wonder and his charm was fully on display at his Seoul concerts titled “Wonderlost” held on two days last weekend at Olympic Hall.
The 26-year-old vocalist and producer frequently tops the charts and has a loyal legion of fans here, but he doesn't try to manufacture a cool public image. Instead, he lives the dream while going through things that face others of his age group.
Crush explained he made his latest album “Wonderlost” thinking about the past and the things he lost in the midst of his hectic life.
“Wonderlost, both the title of my album and the concert series, is a personal theme that reflects upon when I first started music. The overall theme of the album correlates with my dreams and my past,” Crush said during his Saturday show.
“I love all things analog and I'm really into vinyl records these days. I want all of you in this room to think of your past and ideals you had as kids,” he added.
Crush revealed his unstoppable zeal for music on stage, often gesturing broadly and dancing slightly as he sang. This contrasts with his offstage attitude when the singer is often spotted with a blank stare.
His songs, too, were more serious. He powered through 37 tunes, including the latest single “None” released on Oct. 17.
From the first notes Crush sang in his song “Hey Baby” to open his concert, he took the entire crowd on a journey to the groovy sound and 1990s vibes.
The softer-edged pop of “Beautiful,” which he sang the first few verses of without accompaniment, seemed particularly more mature. The slower, gentler “Bittersweet” was a reflection of his past love. While singing “2411,” he explicitly told the crowd, “This is a confessional song. Each time I sing 2411, it reminds me of the days I focused solely on music. I felt empty because people were skeptical of my success, but my bus ride from home to the rehearsal studio was soothing.”
That confessional feel was present throughout the show, as Crush related feelings on finding his identity through music. “I'm really thankful for the fact I can share music I love and that really means a lot to me,” he said.
His set list also included “Cereal,”“Sofa,” “Don't Forget,” “Hug Me” and “Oasis” among many others.
Crush's band for “Wonderlust” was strong, as they filled the stage ― from mid-range hip-pop to R&B groove songs ― during the entire period of the show, including the interludes. His fellow artists CIFIKA and Byung Un performed “RYO” together while Sik-k, another guest performer, sang “Chill,” “Party” and “Ring Ring.” On the second night, Penomeco, Punchnello and ZICO appeared as guests, according to the label.
For his encore, Crush performed his 2017 single “Be by My Side,” then one of his biggest hits “Don't Forget.”
Crush is set to hold his very first North America tour “2018 Crush on You Tour Wonderlost” from late November to early December. He will perform in Toronto on Nov. 21, then in cities in the U.S., including New York, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Jose and Seattle.