NCT 127’s “The Link” Chicago Concert Review

NCT 127’s show was a one-of-a-kind source of escapism.

As written about before, NCT 127’s music is a lot to take in. Their music videos are cinematic and chock-full, and their songs are layered combinations of pop, EDM, and R&B influences - just to name a few! Ironically, the fact their music is an acquired taste is also why it is popular! It is not for everyone, but it is for anyone willing to throw preconceived notions out the window about what K-pop “should'' sound or be like. The sense of taking in a one-of-a-kind experience was taken to new heights for thousands of NCTzens (NCT fans) at “The Link”’s Chicago tour stop. Just like checking out NCT’s music is an all-consuming experience, the live show was very immersive. Taking in high-energy instrumentals, stylistic dexterity, and colorful light sticks that pulsed in sync with the music was a euphoric escape, confining the crowd inside of a vibrant cocoon.

Solo Strengths

While many group-wide performances were impressively synchronized and entertaining, the crown jewels of the night were the solo stages. Each member got the chance to show what they bring to the group. MARK showed off his rap skills and swagger for “Vibration,” TAEYONG showed solo-superstar potential singing and dancing to “Moonlight,” and YUTA’s singing and dancing to “Butterfly” left a similarly strong impression. JAEHYUN gave a swoon-worthy performance of “Lost,” which suited his vocal strengths perfectly. Members who did not get to perform full songs solo still got a chance to show off: JUNGWOO looked suddenly all grown up as he danced to “Lipstick,” DOYOUNG’s dreamy voice led into the group’s alluring “Favorite (Vampire)” performance, and TAEIL’s powerhouse voice introduced a remixed version of “Another World.” Lastly, JOHNNY wowed with “Focus.” His lifts and spins while holding onto bars and baring his abs were absolutely jaw-dropping! He was performance art in more ways than one!

Given this mix of performers who excel in rapping, singing, and dancing as individuals, it was no surprise to be very entertained every time they all performed together! And besides just coming together to set a unique mood every time, they also kept throwing a dose of playfulness on top! This showed what makes their goofiness endearing instead of off-putting: beneath somewhat-corny dance moves and exaggerated acting lie mountains of talent. NCT 127 have so much raw talent that the times they opt for silliness over sophistication do not appear as attention-grabbing gimmicks. They could easily deliver polished, serious, show-stopping stages only. Instead, they take their talents down an unconventional and carefree path. In short, they do not take themselves too seriously.

The Crowd

The audience stayed relatively subdued during more numbers than expected. Granted, parts of the setlist included yet-to-be-officially-released tracks, and well-known songs were given unpredictable rearrangements, so singing along was not often feasible. (It is also possible that attendees did not sing along due to being in an elated trance of sorts, with the immersion of the listening experience being all-encompassing, like it was for the author of this review!) The show also flowed from one track into another without a heads-up as to which genre or mood would be focused on next. The audience was kept in suspended surprise, relatively quiet for a concert crowd but in a way that signaled intrigue instead of indifference. Since NCT 127’s music is all about expecting the unexpected, it was fitting that the live audience had to do so.

NCT 127 celebrated the uniqueness of the crowd’s behavior, bringing attention to extra-animated attendees. TAEYONG even interrupted ending ments (K-pop artists’ end-of-show remarks) to point out a dancing, LED-light-wearing duo! Also, the members embraced the abnormally high number of objects fans tossed onto the stage during the encore, picking up the flowers on the spot and wearing the hats right away! NCTzens’ enthusiasm showed itself in unexpected ways, which complemented the group’s fun-loving attitude nicely!

Why NCT 127 are Not for Everybody 

Many aspects of NCT 127’s concert that stood out to NCTzens were the likely sources of confusion from an objective music critic’s perspective! Why did a roomful of people sing things like “Vroom vroom” and “Skrt skrt” with so much passion?! What was with the corny dance moves between songs with more professional-looking moves?! What was the mood supposed to be? The answers to all these questions are also the answers to why people become NCTzens: it is an experience unlike any other! The lack of caring about the “why,” about how “cool” one looks and sounds, is invigorating! Their music welcomes uptight people to loosen up and just enjoy shouting out ad-libs and doing other goofy things for no reason other than to have a blast!

Reviewing an NCT 127 album shares similarities with reviewing their concert. Both can be hard to explain and are confounding but refreshing mixes of silliness and skill. No trend or sound is too “corny,” “strange,” or “cringe-worthy” to explore, and this openness takes some critics aback. Those who embrace the “Why not?” attitude they promote are better off for it. Those who found NCT 127’s concert strange are not wrong, but embracing that strangeness would make their lives a whole lot more fun! 

While the entertainment value of NCT 127 is obviously a huge part of the act’s appeal, part of it remains indescribable. Perhaps the distinct aura they convey is due to the massive well of sonic influences from which they draw. Perhaps it is thanks to the member’s brotherly dynamics; teasing and compliments were delivered in equal amounts during the show! Perhaps the answer comes from the one-of-a-kind fandom, which acts with a carefreeness and spontaneity that mirror the group’s own. Whatever the reason is, NCT 127 leave an irreplicable impression. Their vibe is one big “you had to be there” situation, and those who “get it” are along for a thrilling ride!

Conclusion

NCT 127’s show did a great job proving why they stand out and what appeal lies in their distinct style. First of all, they proved each member adds different skills and charms to the group, ensuring every group-wide performance is a unique combination of sonic and aesthetic instincts. They compound the originality of their work by topping it off with humor and charisma, by encouraging fans to embrace their own inner weirdos, and by taking onlookers on a stimulating, immersive adventure. NCT 127’s unconventionality is their biggest strength and makes watching their discography come to life in concert an absolute must! 

To hear more about the show, from the setlist to the most surprising moments, keep an eye out for an upcoming episode of 17 Carat K-Pop! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts!

Watch a highlight reel from the concert below!