Hot off the release of their third EP RIDE or DIE, EVNNE took their talents to North America on the “RIDE WITH EVNNE” showcase tour. On August 11, the South Korean boy band performed to a full house in the heart of New York City at Racket. The seven-piece group consists of KEITA, PARK HANBIN, LEE JEONGHYEON, YOO SEUNGEON, JI YUNSEO, MUN JUNGHYUN, and PARK JIHOO. Ahead of their show, fans wrapped around the block as they anxiously waited for the doors to open. EnVi was on the ground to give you our recap of the evening.
EVNNE Are The Moment
Admittedly, it was my first time seeing EVNNE perform live with no idea of the night that was in store for me. Just minutes before show time, smoke began to billow as the lights were turned down. The cheer for the members reached an all time high with fans enthusiastically waving their lightsticks in the air. EVNNE’s boyish charm was instantaneously infectious as they made their way to the stage. Sporting jerseys and denim baggy pants, the members’ youthful energy and styling matched their noticeably young crowd. Even before the music began, it almost felt like one needed time to catch their breath to take every moment as each of the members made their way to their starting formation. The first song of the night was “TROUBLE,” a Jersey club track that moved between blaring horns and smooth synths. It was hard to think of a more fitting song to start the night.
The next song was “K.O (Keep On)” off their 2024 EP Un:SEEN. Meshing drum and bass with funky 8-bit samples, the band seamlessly executed difficult choreography. And I must say, the mics were ON. After the song, they took a short break to introduce themselves to several hundred fans in the building. Their short break was special, as EVNNE earnestly interacted with their fans, taking the time to wave and intently watching as fans mouthed compliments to them. It was charming and endearing, showing off just how much they appreciate their fanbase, ENNVE. They transitioned to the song “I <3 U (I Love You),” a refreshing summer love song.
Even as EVNNE continue to grow and explore new lanes within their music, they perform with every part of their being, putting their best foot forward throughout the show’s 12-song run. “Boom Bari,” like “I <3 U (I Love You),” displayed EVNNE’s cute charms. HANBIN especially shined with his expressive facial movements and stage presence. It became even more of a challenge to focus on just one member through the night. However, their performances were impressive, and vocal delivery even more so.
Fans <3 EVNNE
Up next was a longer break for the group to engage with their fans, partake in challenges, and answer questions. This much appreciated portion of the show displayed the silly, yet heartwarming personalities of each EVNNE member. Some members were tasked to sing songs, like SEUNGEON, who blew fans away with his quick yet soulful rendition of “Dangerously” by American singer Charlie Puth.
Other members like JEONGHYEON offered heartfelt messages in both Korean and English to fans, saying, “I want to give back a lot of love to you guys.” However the highlight of their ment was their impressive covers of senior artists’ dances like aespa’s “Supernova” and NCT 127’s “Walk.”
The members knew how to make the crowd laugh, turning parts of their short concert into a variety show. As their break came to a close, they got ready to perform their fifth and sixth songs on the set list, “SYRUP” and “Role Model.” Both songs flew by, leaving me wanting more as the lights dimmed and a pre-recorded video played. Though the video was short, it did an impressive job displaying the dynamics of the group and their friendship. Each member was tasked with different challenges like testing their skills through jumping as they each tried their hand at the challenge. The venue erupted into passionate laughter and cheers, setting the stage for the band’s return.
A Group Here to Stay. Period.
EVNNE entered the stage once more sporting sleek business casual outfits. It was a complete 180 from their more boyish stagewear just a few minutes prior. As if the energy wasn’t at an all-time high already, they continued to raise the roof with songs like “Badder Love (English Version),” “Pretty Thing,” and “XO.” It wasn’t long before the show was nearing its end, however, with the band offering one more ending speech. Fans were left wanting more — and EVNNE were there to deliver.
They jumped back into the swing of things with “UGLY.” Their performance was filled with breakneck action as fans shouted every lyric. There was nothing quite like singing “Yeah we slay” on a Sunday night. And even though adrenaline was at its peak, EVNNE left fans with bated breath before returning to the stage for a jam packed encore. Finishing the night with “Festa” and “Even More,” one thing was clear — EVNNE are here to stay.
Want to read more of our concert coverage? Read about the “2024 ARTMS World Tour Moonshot” New York show here!
