Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones – always focused on sound, stage, and substance.
XLOV has been receiving a lot of attention since debut, and for all the right reasons. Their genderless concept not only revolutionized the K-Pop scene, but opened up a new era of artistic exploration, authenticity and renewed appreciation of “incompleteness” within an industry obsessed with perfectionism.
The 4-piece group consisting of WUMUTI, HYUN, RUI and HARU fully embraces the concept in their performances, using their charismatic vocals and powerful stage presence to embody the freedom of self-expression in an art form.
HallyuTones had the honour of attending their Manchester show as the crowd served their last pump of energy in the UK before the group takes off to following stops in France, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands and Germany.
In a shower of screams from EVOLs, XLOV took the stage with ‘RIZZ’ — the title from their latest EP, ‘UXLXVE’. Dressed in subtle yet elegant muted gray-coordinated outfits, the four members emerged against the bright warm stage lights and wasted no time getting into the intense dance routine that is ‘RIZZ’. The Manchester crowd erupted as RUI went down onto the iconic split with grace, before the group carried through the energy with their debut single ‘I’mma Be’.
Then they cut through the tension with a ballad ‘1 OF LOV’ from their 1st EP ‘I ONE’ after their introductory ment. The four members poured their hearts out with the standing mics – bright stage lights melted into a warm orange as they carefully observed the crowd below, EVOLs indulging in their angelic voices.
We were blessed with some covers from XLOV, starting with HYUN and WUMUTI’s cover of Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’, powerful vocals from the pair as they stood on the raised stage against the shimmering background.
RUI and HARU’s dance cover of Francis Novotny’s ‘Hit & Run’ fully showcased their dance abilities, each excelling in their realm. Finally, EVOLs fully let loose as they sang along to the group’s cover of BLACKPINK’s ‘Lovesick Girls’ as four. Fans made silhouette heart signs with their hands, framing the members inside.
“When all the EVOLs put their hands up I feel so grateful, we receive so much energy to perform”. RUI’s heartfelt comment received a loud cheer in response, while WUMUTI took the time to introduce their next song beautifully, “To the painful memories, we’d love to give them a goodbye kiss — and we would like to greet the beautiful future of our EVOLs together”.
Following ‘Kiss and goodbye’ from ‘UXLXVE’ was a cover of Troye Sivan’s ‘Angel Baby’, which fans, moved by members’ speeches, enjoyed in silence.
The venue heated up again when the members challenged EVOLs to make a ‘dirty pose’, teasing their next performance for “Dirty Baby” — a fan favorite from ‘UXLXVE’.
As we approached the heavily anticipated “1&only”, members had an energy check with us, prepping EVOLs as their chant ‘ENERGY! ENERGY!’ filled the venue. ‘1&only’ was the climax of the show where the Manchester crowd went ballistic, giving their all to the chants, matching XLOV’s heated energy on stage.
Before the encore was the closing ment, where each member expressed their gratitude to their fans. “Thank you for being here, thank you for letting us feel loved,” said WUMUTI.
A heartwarming moment followed when RUI wished Happy Birthday to the many EVOLs who had their birthday, while HYUN pointed out a fan with a panel written “XLOV showed me what real beauty is” — the crowd melted in awe, touched by the comment. HYUN added, “You guys are most beautiful when you’re being yourself” before the group bowed and wrapped up the show.
EVOLs chanted as the members came out with ‘Biii-P’ for the encore, they spent the last few minutes bopping heads and lightsticks to the kawaii hyperpop sensation before ending on a bittersweet note as the members waved goodbye.
This show yet again demonstrated exactly why a group like XLOV needs to exist in the industry right now, especially in Kpop. XLOV doesn’t just break boundaries, they give comfort to those who do not believe in themselves, and to the imperfections and flaws we drown ourselves in. The members always emphasise that EVOL completes the ‘unfinished love’ for them, and the four continue to show us what real beauty is, ultimately – to be yourself and yourself only.
Photo credits: Janis L. @chunnstudio
Stay up to date with XLOV and their activities here:
Twitter (X): XLOV (in Japan)
TikTok: XLOV
Instagram: XLOV
Spotify: XLOV
Apple Music: XLOV
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