[Review] NCT DREAM in London
The K-pop septet delivered both powerful vocals and crisp choreography at their London concert, leaving fans utterly overjoyed.
NCT Dream have entertained thousands of fans during their 2022/23 world tour. Image: NCT Dream Official Twitter.
Seven years after their baby-faced debut, the members of NCT DREAM finally took to the stage in London back on the 28th March, delivering everything from impressive vocals to hilariously painful attempts at an English accent. Celebrating the first show of the European leg of their THE DREAM SHOW 2: In A Dream world tour, Wembley’s OVO Arena was aglow with the neon green of NCTzen lightsticks, much to the delight of members MARK, RENJUN, JENO, HAECHAN, JAEMIN, CHENLE, and JISUNG.
After a slightly delayed start, as the masses of crowds flooded to take their places in the 12.5k capacity arena, the Dreamies entered soundtracked by the textured, hip-hop inspired ‘Glitch Mode’. With their knife-sharp choreography, crystal clear vocals, and punchy raps being met with whoops and cheers, the audience clearly knew they were in for an amazing show.
The DREAM catalogue and a special guest
The boys quickly hopscotched across to the more intense side of their thick discography, continuing with ‘Countdown (3, 2, 1)’ and ‘Stronger’ before introducing themselves individually to the awaiting crowd.
They then dove into their 2021 track ‘Dreaming’ – which was previously explored by Cherry Chu Magazine in an interview with its British writer and producer, Scott Quinn – and it certainly felt at home in London. A release from the Universe album by the full collection of NCT members, ‘Dreaming’ was one of the night’s first highlights of many. It bounced between melodious vocals decorated with the twinkling of a music box, and a clubby, house-based chorus that suited its British setting perfectly, turning the septet into London natives for a while.
The intensity was rounded out with the raucous ‘Déjà Vu’ before the setlist transitioned into a more boyish, romantic sequence of connected songs, both pop and RnB: ‘My First and Last’ (including the incredible floorwork choreography, captured via an aerial shot!), ‘Bye My First…’, ‘Love Again’, ‘To My First’, ‘Sorry Heart’ (RENJUN, HAECHAN, and CHENLE) – moving some fans to tears.
A quick ment followed, with the NCT DREAM boys pointing out a special guest in the crowd in the form of HRVY, the British singer-songwriter and Strictly Come Dancing star who collaborated with them on the track ‘Don’t Need Your Love’. Whilst it would’ve been incredible to have HRVY join the group onstage for a performance, fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse, and see the Dreamies reunite with their friend.
To re-brighten the mood after a poignant performance of ‘Puzzle Piece’, Dream offered up their iconic debut track, ‘Chewing Gum’. It’s bright, it’s bubbly, and it’s truly K-pop perfection, a treat for every attendee. Most importantly, it was a reminder of where NCT DREAM began, with many fans having grown up alongside the boys, who had an average age of just over 15 when they started out. But they were certainly grown up now, and had the skills and impeccable stage presence to prove it.
Following a handful more tracks from the group’s first full studio album, the boys split apart into MARK, JENO, JAEMIN, and JISUNG to perform the ‘90s-esque, Mario-sampling B-side ‘Saturday Drip’. Fans were enthralled by the hip-hop track, screaming “Saturday drip, me and my clique” as the four members showcased their confidence onstage.
This track preceded some incredible, rather sensual choreography in ‘Quiet Down’, and a funky rendition of ‘Better Than Gold’, complete with sparkly jackets, sunglasses, and mic stand props. Later on came a sequence of iconic NCT Dream title tracks — ‘BOOM’, with its killer point choreo, ‘Hello Future’, with vibrancy and power vocals lifting the entire arena, and ‘We Go Up’, showcasing the effervescent fun of the seven members.
An encore, a ment, and a surprise…
The Dreamies were sure to pose for many a photo whilst in London. Image: NCT Dream Official Twitter.
Just a few more songs, an encore chant, and the end had arrived, with the members giving an emotional third ment. The members watched the crowd do a Mexican wave with their green lightsticks, before expressing their delight and promising to return to London again. “I got a lot of good energy from you guys tonight,” said JAEMIN. CHENLE was met with cheers as he stated “I really want to come here again… I’ll see you again, London!”
MARK promised: “The next time we’re here, we gotta at least have two days of shows,” before the group performed ‘My Youth’ and announced that ‘Walk You Home’ would be the very last song. The members played around with the audience as they sang, trying on various sunglasses and hats, posing for final photos, and saying their goodbyes.
The crowd began to make their way to the exits, unaware they had been tricked! The screens flickered back to life and a doorbell rang: “Surprise!” Audience members sprinted back to their seats for an incredible rendition of ‘Candy’, DREAM’s popular cover of the 1996 single by first generation K-pop group H.O.T.. Decked out in the iconic ski apparel made famous by H.O.T, the seven members seemed to have the time of their lives, whilst the crowd jumped and sang like their own lives depended on it. The perfect high to end such a DREAM of a show.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.
