Anyone else hear that knocking? ONEDOORs, you better open the door – BOYNEXTDOOR is here in Singapore with their ‘KNOCK ON Vol. 1’ tour! Having recently visited fans on 15 March at Arena @ EXPO, the members kicked off the second half of their tour right here.
Don’t know much about BOYNEXTDOOR? Here’s a TLDR – making their debut in 2023, the six-member group is under KOZ Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE. As their name suggests, BOYNEXTDOOR’s music focuses on relatable moments packaged with nostalgic yet fresh melodies – and so far? They’ve been doing an amazing job! Consisting of leader JAEHYUN, SUNGHO, RIWOO, TAESAN, LEEHAN and youngest WOONHAK, ‘KNOCK ON Vol. 1’ is the group’s first tour.
This was their first time in Singapore, and from all the live stages I’ve seen since their debut, it is safe to say that excitement couldn’t even encompass what I was feeling as the weekend drew near. And now that everything is over, my old friend post-concert depression is here to visit. So just like with SEVENTEEN’s concert, let’s run through the best moments of the night!
Watch BOYNEXTDOOR Set The Stage On Fire
I knew the concert hall was smaller than the usual ones I go to, but I was not expecting how near my seat to the stage was, even without a VIP ticket. But as the lights dimmed and darkened, cheers erupting from the audience and the doors opening, only then did I realise just how clearly I could see the members.
With my eyes having a better resolution than my phone’s camera, let’s relive the best moments of BOYNEXTDOOR’s ‘KNOCK ON Vol. 1’!
Earth, Wind & Fire
Even with a grand opening featuring drums and upbeat music, no one was ready for the screams Earth, Wind & Fire’s tinkling intro melody would bring.
One of their most energetic numbers, this title track is the epitome of a perfect concert starter for a group like BOYNEXTDOOR. I don’t know about everyone else but this track was one that I had wanted to see live. The second the beat drops, even new fans can immediately see the appeal of the sextet.
Live vocals and powerful choreography – that’s all amazing, but my favourite part? Cheering on JAEHYUN as his verse started! Specific, I know, but it’s so addictive, not to mention mindblowing hearing everyone shouting right along. But in complete honesty, being able to hear the energy and passion the members had just from vocals alone perfectly set the tone for the rest of the two hours.
l i f e i s c o o l
A complete 180 to the songs that came before it, l i f e i s c o o l is a chill, vibey song with a very self-explanatory message. Weaving an image of relaxing in front of a campfire with some friends, staying up and talking, l i f e i s c o o l stands out among the group’s discography as – like the song says – one of the few that aren’t love songs.
Message aside, this has been one of the top songs that I wanted to see performed live, so seeing it now was incredibly surreal. After hearing their raw vocals live, what do you mean I have to settle for the recorded version from now on? The sense of playfulness, nonchalance and unpredictability is simply better conveyed when the members are on stage!
And we haven’t even gotten to the best part yet. Listen, I love this song but the outro is where it’s at – I could have these last 30 seconds on loop forever. From its cute, vibey melody, the beat slows to a jazzy, sultry sound as the telltale clink of a wine glass rings throughout the concert hall. LEEHAN’s low, silky voice resonates from the concert speakers… whew, absolute chef’s kiss. Is there any better way to end a song?
Call Me
A song that I hadn’t gotten into until recently, looking up the lyrics to Call Me while listening to the track was… a struggle – to not cry that is. With a song that hits home like this while validating all your experiences, it feels just like a warm hug. Hearing this after a long, tough day, knowing you have a safe space to vent and just let everything out? What a warm, fuzzy feeling.
So imagine hearing all of this live, after a particularly tiring week – wow, definitely had me close to tears. As much as I love BOYNEXTDOOR’s energetic choreographies, upbeat tracks and rhythmic styles, a comfort song like Call Me wins my heart nearly every time. The calming lyrics soothe like a balm to my soul and hearing their gentle, mellifluous voices cheering me on? There’s nothing better.
20
The moment the lights darkened and the spotlight shone on RIWOO, I knew this next part would send absolute chills down my spine. As the backing track fell silent, his voice echoed over the stereo, raw vocals kicking off the song. Yearning and conflict were plain as day as he sang, reminiscing younger, easier days. Then, the beat drops as 20 starts properly.
When the song was first released, I didn’t pay much mind to it. But now, hearing it live two weeks before I turn twenty? That’s a whole other story. Call me cynical but this track’s lyrics completely encapsulate my perspective of turning older. In this weird limbo of being old enough and too young, 20 puts into words the emotional whirlwind many, including me, are feeling.
Pulled from the moments and personal stories of the members, 20 reveals a candid and vulnerable side to the group. Seeing as how close in age I was to them, that one realisation made this song hit even harder – the idea that I was growing up with them. Ready to be twenty? I don’t think so.
IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU
Okay, things got a little bit emotional there, so let’s brighten it up a bit! Next up is IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU, a single that dropped early in January – and it took the world by storm. Sitting at 21 million listens on Spotify, this was a song I heard constantly on the radio. One thing that made this song an exception – I didn’t get tired of hearing it!
What sounded like a winter love song turned out to be a track lamenting about lost love and painful memories; don’t you love it when groups do that? Putting melancholic and vulnerable lyrics to a bright upbeat melody, BOYNEXTDOOR took heartbreak and created a unique fusion of comfort, empathy and relatability.
To say that this song is one that every ONEDOOR has ingrained in their mind would be an understatement. Seeing the members smile after the entire concert hall sang one of their recent releases just made all of us want to sing it even more! Having this song in a singalong and an encore on top of its usual live stage, let’s just say that everyone – even the members themselves – absolutely love this track.
But Sometimes
Oh, this next one had me screaming my throat sore. For me, But Sometimes is just that song. Back when it was first released, the concept of the song and album was a complete 180 from the group’s fresh and adorable image. It gave ONEDOORs a more punkish rock sound, shifting the group’s image towards something edgier. And what a welcome change it was!
Don’t get me wrong – I love the cute and innocent image but BOYNEXTDOOR with this rougher style? There’s a reason why But Sometimes is probably my top title track. Beyond just the development in the lyrics, the members’s charisma and facial expressions are just top-notch for this stage. The frustration and anger over a cheating partner combined and the visceral imagery the lyrics paint – top-tier music, right here.
Not to mention the satisfying conclusion the song comes to during the bridge – hands down, my favourite part of the stage. But Sometimes truly is a stage that is better watched than just listened. Choreography, visuals and tonality that can only be captured in a live performance enhance the entire experience so much more!
One and Only
What a throwback this one is! One and Only marks the debut of BOYNEXTDOOR so finally seeing it live was so surreal. Perfectly capturing the nostalgic freshness and playfulness of the members, One and Only sums up the vibe of the group, serving as a great introduction to fans back when the group was new.
Lively, with the melody slowing down to showcase the vocalists’ skills and speeding up to show off the rhythmic flow the rappers had, I don’t think they could have kickstarted their discography with a better song! Now seeing it after two years, and witnessing the members perform with an ease that wasn’t there previously – wow, they’ve really grown.
Hearing ONEDOORs cheer and sing along to the song was so much fun too! Like a vitamin boost, this song upped the energy and switched up the mood after the previous calmer, more emotional numbers.
Serenade
Ah, the first song from BOYNEXTDOOR that pulled me into their rabbit hole. Ironic that it was a love song that was as cheesy as Serenade was. Perhaps it was how smiley WOONHAK was in the chorus, but honestly, this track had me hooked right from its guitar opener.
The immediate change up to the sharper sounds of TAESAN’s and JAEHYUN’s parts made me stay, but you want to know what solidified my standing as an ONEDOOR? LEEHAN and WOONHAK’s candy-sweet vocals wrapping up the first verse.
Reminiscent of 2010s melodies, Serenade was my favourite track from the group for a while. So to be treated to a sing-along as well as a planned encore for the track was an absolute dream! I mean, where else will I get one of my ults screaming ‘I love you!’ at me? Serenade was simply a song you have to experience yourself – no words can describe it.
So let’s go see the stars
After two hours of concert, we’ve unfortunately reached the last planned track of the night. So let’s go see the stars is as dreamy as it sounds – a chill beat and lyrics that conjure a beautiful backdrop of stars. With LEEHAN’s calm soothing vocals starting off the song, audiences are immediately placed in an atmosphere of a silent, comfortable night.
I’m not quite sure how, but the song’s instrumental creates a soundscape of cinematic sky filled with sparkling stars, even without the lyrics planting it in your head. With TAESAN and WOONHAK taking part in the song’s production as well as SUNGHO’s vocals that sealed the deal, it’s easy to see why so many ONEDOORs have fallen for this track, despite being one of the more chill songs in the album.
With so much sincerity dripping from their vocals, wouldn’t you want to go see the stars with BOYNEXTDOOR too?
Ending Thoughts
The boys’ performances were absolutely electrifying – no complaints there! The outfits were flawless and on point and ONEDOORs had so much fun surprising them with the fan video. A customary thing at this point, BOYNEXTDOOR also interacted with fans using a whole slew of Singlish that had the crowd screaming!
However, I did have two issues: the lack of hype from the organisers and company as well as the lack of concert etiquette from some fans during the concert.
When I first walked towards Arena @ EXPO, I was met with minimal indication that there was a concert happening at all. If it wasn’t for the telltale sign of the crowd, the only thing marking the day’s concert was a basic photo spot as well as a message banner fan-project. You’re probably thinking – what about merch, VIP booths and ticketing? Well, they were indicated by three laminated pieces of paper.
To say I was unimpressed would be an understatement. Where were the banners, the decorated merch booths or BOYNEXTDOOR’s music playing at the venue? Perhaps my standards have increased after previous concerts I’ve been to but man, I was a little disappointed over the lack of hype. Even over on social media, there barely seemed to be any talk about the concert at all.
On to the next thing: concert etiquette. I thought it was understood not to be screaming when the members were in the middle of speaking. Not just so the people around you can hear what they are saying but just out of basic respect. I love shouting and cheering my favourite members during the concert as much as the next person but I’m sure they would want you to listen when they are speaking. No one likes being interrupted – I’m sure your faves are the same.
‘KNOCK ON Vol. 1’ In Singapore
Now that ‘KNOCK ON Vol. 1’ in Singapore has wrapped up, post-concert depression is here to stay. Despite the couple of issues I had during the entire experience, I would definitely be there when BOYNEXTDOOR returns to Singapore. As they promised, let’s get our boys to a bigger and better venue, ONEDOORs!
While I heard most of the songs I loved from their discography, I know many fans had wanted to hear Dear. My Darling live. So let’s hope that we can see it live when they come back! Have you been sucked into the fandom like I was? If yes, be sure to check out BOYNEXTDOOR on their Instagram and TikTok accounts as well as all their content on their YouTube channel. Hopefully, it’ll help alleviate some of that post-concert depression!
Visuals courtesy of BOYNEXTDOOR and iMe SG on X (formerly Twitter).
