[Review] The Rose ‘Dawn to Dusk’ in London
Internationally adored Korean band The Rose took to the London stage for a night of Brit-pop inspired performances that would make the likes of Coldplay and The Script proud.
The DAWN TO DUSK tour has taken The Rose through over 20 countries worldwide across 2023 and 2024. Image: The Rose Official Twitter/X.
Having substantially grown their British fanbase throughout their seven year career (which included multiple smaller-scale UK shows), the four-piece are finally reaching the level they deserve having left London fans overjoyed after their show in the OVO Arena Wembley.
A blooming good setlist
Doors for The Rose’s fifth London concert opened at 6:30pm, with the show beginning at 8pm once excitement had significantly built. After opening with the passionate “Eclipse”, the band soared through their discography. With poignant tracks like “I.L.Y”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “She’s in the Rain”, and the group’s debut song “Sorry”, the audience was enamoured by the live vocals of members Woosung, Dojoon, Jaehyeong, and Hajoon.
The fun was brought with songs including “RED”, “Nauseous”, and “Back to Me”, the latter of which had people on their feet, especially after it garnered fans during The Rose’s appearance at the Hyde Park festival last year. “Shift” was a particular highlight from the show, as it excellently highlighted the musical skills of the members and their respective instruments.
The Rose’s London concert was both a visual and sonic delight for the audience. Image: Gabii Rayner for Cherry Chu Magazine.
The show was closed out by a rousing rendition of the track “Wonder”, complete with thumping drumbeats, spacey visuals, and sparkling pyrotechnics. Although many were sad to miss out on iconic tracks like “California” and “Candy (So good)”, the night was rammed full of great selections.
Special guests and standouts
Whilst The Rose easily filled their show with everything from humour to gorgeous visuals and reminiscing with the crowd, one of the real crown jewels came in the feature of a talented cellist and violinist duo during “Dusk”, “Angel”, and “Definition of ugly is”. This classical touch helped the band to bring an incredible sense of grandeur and awe that The Rose have seldom had the opportunity to create within smaller venues.
Fans were notably astonished by the powerful vocal abilities of singers Woosung and Dojoon throughout the show. Sustained notes bounced proudly around the Wembley arena, bewildering fans into either stunned silence or enthused cheers.
Planting seeds across the world
It’s clear that the only way is up for The Rose, especially after their exposure during the Hyde Park festival back in 2023. They’ve arguably been seeing more support globally than in Korea, and the band are working tirelessly to grow their international fanbases even further. They even appear to be taking a leaf out of the book of Japanese rock stars ONE OK ROCK, who shifted to more English-language releases throughout their career in order to broaden their horizons.
Meanwhile, The Rose’s musical sound is leaning more heavily into their original British inspirations, whilst still providing their own unique take, and a refreshing side-step from Korean idol music. Woosung, Dojoon, Jaehyeong, and Hajoon were born to be stars, and (with the band set to take to the Coachella stage in April 2024) we can’t wait to see The Rose continue to grow.
Edited by Chelsea Cheetham.