Stray Kids’ Lollapalooza 2024 Set Review: 7 Best Moments

After instantly capturing the viewers’s consideration with the 2023 single “S-Class,” Stray Youngsters moved rapidly into “FREEZE,” a B-side off 2022’s Maniac, that proved to be an excellent sensible setlist transfer to showcase their complete showmanship and musicality.

Changbin and Han displayed true hip-hop prowess with lightning-fast rap types, whereas Hyunjin commanded each eye as he took heart stage throughout dance sections. Lee Know’s efficiency exuded an plain fierceness whereas Seungmin’s excessive notes soared as he performed to the guitarist. Regardless of the depth of such a high-profile efficiency, Han and Felix made all of it look straightforward as they affectionately wrapped their arms round each other whereas delivering verses. Regardless of the a number of excessive notes he could be dealing with, even the youngest member, I.N, was rapidly getting comfy, finally shucking off his leather-based jacket to disclose a sleeveless muscle tee and ceaselessly operating to the viewers to encourage them to sing alongside.

For brand new observers or curious potential followers, “S-Class” was a catchy introduction, however “FREEZE” served as the final word hook, proving that Stray Youngsters are the true deal.

Shortly after “FREEZE,” Stray Youngsters transitioned into “Tremendous Bowl,” off their 2023 album 5-Star, which rapidly confirmed this was not a typical Okay-pop efficiency.

The group was able to get rowdy and have enjoyable, a sentiment finest exemplified by Han’s playful lyric changeup earlier than the ultimate choruses. As a substitute of singing “Our dish right here’s so bussin’,” Han shouted, “Our s— right here’s so bussin’!”

Whereas Stray Youngsters followers have come to anticipate this express change in stay performances, it was considerably surprising to listen to it uncensored on the Hulu stay stream. The choice was much more intriguing given stories that JYP Leisure founder J.Y. Park attended Lollapalooza to look at the efficiency. However Han’s infectious, hyped-up vitality all through all the set was unattainable to tone down — and thank goodness for that.

Whereas Felix has been gaining international recognition as a home ambassador for Louis Vuitton and just lately making his runway debut at Paris Trend Week, Lollapalooza really felt just like the second to solidify himself as his most genuine rock-star self.

His lightning-white blonde hair, styled in flowing locks and tiny twist braids matched with beautiful white LV vests, made him appear like a shining Greek god on stage. All through the efficiency, Felix typically jumped from his signature bassy low grumble to a extra energized octave, showcasing his vocal versatility and understanding when to get extra animated to raised hype up the gang. Additional proof: Throughout the “Charmer” efficiency, Felix whipped the sleeves of the vest round his shoulders and chest, giving only a flash of his abs and muscle mass that drove the gang wild — and visibly shocked his bandmate, Han.

Possibly it was a results of the Chicago warmth, however Felix additionally ceaselessly drenched himself in water, including a glowing, dripping aura to his onstage presence. Because of this, he turned a number-one trending subject throughout social media and, maybe extra importantly, set a brand new normal for Okay-pop artists to completely embrace their rock-star attitudes on stage.

After a fast part to speak with the viewers halfway by the set, Stray Youngsters delivered 5 of their hit singles in a row with an plain standout in 2022’s “Maniac.” Whereas the observe is powerful for its atypical manufacturing and galvanizing message, the stage additionally allowed SKZ to be each informal {and professional}. Whereas there could be the instances the members may stroll round and freestyle all through the stage, the octet additionally may seamlessly reform and fall proper again into their choreographed formations.

Whereas Okay-pop acts are well-known for his or her meticulously rehearsed choreography and CD-quality vocals ready for each efficiency, Stray Youngsters having the ability to freely hop into dance mode or freestyle mode is a key indicator to how profitable they’ve been in an business like America, the place followers admire musicians with true authenticity and ease on stage.

Alongside Bang Chan and Seungmin’s skillful excessive notes, “Maniac” confirmed one other stage of spectacular stage efficiency for all eight members.

Maybe no member embraced the numerous water bottles offered on stage for the group as Hyunjin did.

Whereas the Stray Youngsters members took turns drenching themselves and each other, in addition to spraying a possible overheated Chicago viewers, Hyunjin gave the impression to be working the water in his personal magical style. Sporting two distinct appears to be like at Lolla, he at all times appeared drenched head to toe — together with his white For Each Residing Factor T-shirt changing into see-through from the amassed moisture. The water added to Hyunjin’s enigmatic stage presence, making him an much more charming performer.

The 24-year-old Versace international ambassador Hyunjin sometimes takes heart stage for numerous dance sections, however at Lollapalooza, he stepped up in a means that felt extra inventive (and badass). As rapidly as he would declare the highlight, he may effortlessly step apart to let one other member shine. His ferocious stage presence is well-known amongst STAYs and Okay-pop followers, however Lollapalooza showcased Hyunjin’s true efficiency capabilities to the world.

As said above, “MIROH” would inevitably be a spotlight given its anthemic manufacturing. However Stray Youngsters took the five-year-old single to a wholly new stage with the Lollapalooza rendition.

Whereas the unique observe opens with Felix’s signature low timbre, the 23-year-old delivered the intro in an invigorating, bewitching name to arms that helped the tune’s depth develop with every second.

By the tune’s closing, a fireworks show shot off amid the tune’s gargantuan beat drops and shout-along hooks for one thing that felt genuinely epic and celebratory. The truth that “MIROH” consists of a number of moments for SKZ and followers to shout, “Stray! Youngsters! Woo!” solely made the explosive ending that rather more good.

Even when “MIROH” was the epically explosive ending, Stray Youngsters nonetheless got here out for added songs as a extra informal encore for a second efficiency of “TOPLINE,” the “Competition Model” of their newest single, “Chk Chk Increase,” and what appeared like an impromptu rendition of a particular fan tune to finish the night time formally.

Whereas the Youngsters teased their goodbyes to the gang many instances, the blokes stored coming again on after listening to the gang chant “Another tune!” — and the members themselves began chanting it too. After “TOPLINE” and “Chk Chk Increase,” the members urged chief Bang Chan to announce they’d carry out one other tune. Whereas Chan pleaded in his amiable Australian accent, “There’s guidelines right here: We now have to go at a sure time!” Han rapidly responded, “No, we gotta break the principles!” Bang Chan appeared satisfied, telling the viewers, “If you happen to guys get in hassle, we’ll take duty.” After a fast huddle between the band members, they formally ended their set with the 2020 B-side observe “Haven.”

Whereas “Haven” was the tune to shut the Maniac World Tour, the lyrics significantly rang true at this crowning profession achievement. “Do no matter you need…/ Proper now, step out, do what you need,” spoke to them, pushing the (time) limits of their setlist, however it additionally acted as a heat reminder to their followers of the admiration and love Stray Youngsters have for his or her supporters, affectionately generally known as STAY. One of many ultimate lyrics, “I wanna STAY with you,” doubles as which means to STAY and conveys their sincere emotions. It was a really heartfelt strategy to finish a second that solidified the true rock-star nature of Stray Youngsters.