The Novo Los Angeles, CA
Contact: fncent@fncent.com
Web: fncent.com
Players: Jung Yong-hwa, main vocalist; Lee Jungshin, bassist; Kang Min-hyuk, drummer
Anticipation buzzed through the Novo Theater as fans awaited South Korean pop-rock trio CNBlue to make their grand return to the Los Angeles stage after almost a decade away. Roaring screams filled the venue as vocalist Jung Yong-hwa, drummer Kang Min-hyuk, and bassist Lee Jung-shin made their way onstage to the opening chords of “In My Head.” Right out of the gate, Yong-hwa promised their setlist would “bring together our past, present, and future.” And boy, did they deliver! The group performed a nice variety of old nostalgic favorites, from “I’m a Loner” to songs from their 2024 EP X, catering to longtime and new fans alike.
All three members have been in the industry for a long time, as they debuted in 2009, so it's no surprise they’ve become pros at their craft. Min-hyuk’s drumming was precise and strong. He had a fun drum solo during “Cinderella” that had everyone cheering. Most drummers hate to chat with the audience, but Min-hyuk was the opposite. He spoke to the crowd often and raved over his love for In-N-Out burgers. Jung-shin was the quietest member, focusing more on playing the bass and delivering strong raspy background vocals that complemented Yong-hwa’s lead vocals.
Yong-hwa is the ace of the group. He has incredible control over his vocals; he effortlessly crooned on the ballad “To. My Love,” growled on the melodramatic song “I’m Sorry,” and powerfully belted in rowdy tracks like “Wake Up.” He’s very charismatic, with a fun rock star aura that seems natural and not cheesy. Yong hwa bantered with fans as if it were second nature, taking his time to listen to everything they were screaming at him. He is also a very talented musician, as he played the guitar and keyboard throughout the night. From spontaneously performing riffs from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop” to the iconic “Ay-Oh” chant from Queen, he kept us on our toes.
The band had everyone singing along and waving their blue light sticks throughout their 23-song setlist. CNBlue took fans on a journey through all their different eras, showcasing their growth and perseverance as musicians. “I want to thank everyone for being there in the past, for being here now, and for being there forever…we’re happy to show you so many colors of CNBlue,” Yong-hwa said towards the end of the night. Fittingly, the band closed their set with the heartfelt ballad “Young Forever”—a song about staying young forever and going after your dreams.
