May 14, 2024
I had no clue what to expect from Cix tonight, but the fun is within the mystery of it all. The world of Korean pop or K-Pop has exploded in the last decade or so, yet for me, Cix was to be my first experience with the genre live and in the flesh.
Cix is a five piece boy group in their later twenties consisting of BX, Seunghun, Jinyoung, Yonghee, Hyunsuk. Forming from a tv show that gradually unveiled the members to the world in a ten part series. Connecting directly with the fanbase, their popularity exploded. With tickets to there first show selling out and adding an extra 5000 fans on a waiting list.
See Also: Stephen And Damian Marley at Mtelus, Montreal
Finally able to come tour here after setbacks, it was clear that the fans had been eagerly waiting for this moment. Some refraining from passing out as they waited to get just a mere glimpse of the idols, Cix, standing in line all day. With a barrage of signs and stuffed animals and flowers, hoping to get noticed for just a second. Inside they were all pretty well behaved, all lined up eagerly on the different step levels of the Olympia.
Amid the glow of cell phones were strange spinning contraptions projecting light ,a wand possibly. Between the ear piercing screams of the youth that gathered with glee in their hearts, were the parents that were visibly regretting chaperoning this evening.
It definitely brought me back to my youth, when I went through the boy band phase, even having my dedicated father sitting through those screams all to make sure I was happy. This was next level though, from what I had experienced in a time without cell phones.
I witnessed some fans gathered at the back not watching all the show. Completely zeroed in, just making sure they had captured the perfect picture to share on social media.
Three songs into after “Bad Dream” they paused, breathing heavily into their headset microphones. Obviously out of breath from the highly energetic dance maneuvers that look as if they took multiple hours of practice to correctly nail down the specific choreography. They addressed the shrieking crowd in Korean, pausing long enough for a mystery voice hidden somewhere or other, that translated their thoughts into English for them.
Following their fifth song, the troupe vanished from the stage, probably for a quick breather, while a video montage of the group looping over lush mountain ranges, holding bouquets of flowers played on the screen on stage.
Each member had a chance to showcase a favorite cover song solo that represented them best. Changing them each show, which seemed like a small act of rebellion when your entire life is planned in advance.
From my observation, I’d say K-Pop artists have it the hardest because expectations are extremely high, in a saturated market. There were a lot of apologies as some of the members were under the weather. Taking many breaks throughout the night it sort of took a bit away from the show. But understandable in this case. Just found it quite out of place for a concert.
Read More:
>> Mad Caddies at Club Soda, Montreal
>> Twin Temple at La Tulipe, Montreal
>> Municipal Waste at Foufounes Electriques, Montreal
It was fun to see so many people of all ages swoon over these K-Pop stars, since I’m so used to the nonchalant rock world. I think the parallels are pretty obvious. Just fans enjoying what makes them happy. Many dreams came true tonight. I would have loved to see my favorite pop act at that age at a smaller venue.
With a twenty two song set list , give or take-I lost track. The fans got to hear all the singles and debut of the new one “Lovers and Enemies” which everyone seemed to know by heart already. A few encores and it was time to say goodnight but not goodbye with promise to visit again.
