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TWICE
@ Qudos Bank Arena,
Sydney, Australia
2nd May 2023
(Live Review)

Review by Celine May

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Photo – Jess Gleeson

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2023 is turning out to be a great year for Australian K-pop fans. In February, we were treated to Stray Kids, in June we’re being treated to BLACKPINK, and now beautifully falling 2 days after the Sydney Korean festival, Sydney fans are being treated to TWICE at Qudos Bank Arena (twice).

More commonly, Australia is the final stop in international tours, however it is the second stop in TWICE’s 5TH WORLD TOUR ‘READY TO BE’, following their home shows in South Korea that kicked off in mid-April.

TWICE is undoubtedly one of the biggest K-pop girl groups around, so expectedly, the arena was filled with energy, carefully curated TWICE-inspired outfits, and lightsticks.

The nine-piece group – comprised of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu – had prepared an almost-30 track setlist. The list was a relatively even mix across their albums as well as solo songs, and covers of western pop artists. TWICE highlighted their personalities and strengths individually and collectively. Their choreography and stage production for every song could not be faulted.

Their stage setup included a main stage, and wide walkway to a second stage at the centre of the arena, which made the experience more inclusive and engaging.

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The show started off with their latest infectious disco single, ‘SET ME FREE’ then ramped up with ‘I CAN’T STOP ME’, ‘GO HARD’ and ‘MORE & MORE’. I really enjoyed that they kicked off with their recent, mature and confident music and delved into their better known bubblegum pop sound later.

The group gave a brief introduction (with a Korean-to-English translator), sharing that it was their very first time touring in Australia, and that the crowd made them feel comfortable and confident. Lovely sentiment, and it was sweet to see some members speak in English as best they could.

Two songs later, TWICE dove into solo performances – Dahyn covered Colbie Caillat’s ‘Try’ while playing a grand piano and adorned in a dress as stunning as her vocals. A better dress than some dresses at The Met Gala I might say. Tzuyu covered Charlie Puth’s ‘Done for Me’, Sana covering Dua Lipa’s ‘New Rules’ in her stride, Momo covering Beyonce’s ‘MOVE’ and finally Mina covering Ariana Grande’s ‘7 rings’.

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Photo – Jess Gleeson

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Each solo performance was vastly different to the next, in terms of genre, atmosphere and stage visuals and production. Dahyn was sentimental and on her own while others had back up dancers. Momo’s stage was particularly memorable as she dressed in casual street wear then changed to a sultry pole dance. Yes, a pole was brought on stage. Back to back powerhouses, fun and mature, who showed they could hold their own.

Once regrouped as nine, they performed some of their biggest hits, such as ‘Feel Special’, ‘FANCY’ and ‘The Feels’ which really got the crowd going. The addition of a live band further elevated their performances, and apparently their first world tour that had a live band.

This was followed by an interlude by the members who previously performed solo – it was a joy to see their friendship play out – they were playful, charismatic, and had conversations that genuinely felt like the crowd wasn’t there and that they were just talking amongst themselves. They reflected on their performances, and gave hints on the solo ones coming. At this point I was hoping for a bit more interaction with the crowd, such as waves, mini conversations, the reading of signs, etc. Perhaps as it’s what I’m used to.

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Similarly to the earlier solo performances, the four remaining members had diverse stages. Chaeyoung played her guitar as she sang her self-written song ‘My Guitar’ with super sweet vocals and soft visuals. Jihyo performed her edgy self-composed track ‘Nightmare’ self proclaiming she is a nightmare; I loved the grit. Jeongyeon exuded confidence as she strutted in a bright yellow jacket, sunnies and back up dancers as she served Lizzo’s ‘Juice’. Nayeon performed her viral TikTok hit ‘POP!’, indeed very bubblegum pop; Once reflected the TikTok choreo/challenge.

Following on with bubblegum pop and electro pop, they regrouped and treated Once to a title track medley – ‘YES or YES’, ‘What is love’, ‘CHEER UP’, ‘LIKEY’, ‘KNOCK KNOCK’, ‘SCIENTIST’ and ‘Heart Shaker. I’m personally not huge on this genre though you couldn’t help but feel in a brighter mood and it was nice to see them tie them together so cohesively.

After another segment of banter and asking if we felt like mimosas, they segwayed to bossa nova track and excellent dance synchronisation with ‘Alcohol-free’. They changed the original choreography for this, and a few others, which was a nice little twist for diehard fans as they got to watch something new. ’Talk that Talk’ was undoubtedly a highlight in the show, the crowd potentially the loudest and most reactive.

In true K-pop fashion, there was a fan interaction segment where the group’s songs played, the stage screen prompting fans to dance and a surprise camera landing on random fans in the audience. It’s an opportunity for the group to take a break, and for Once to showcase their dance skills, and indeed they danced. Very fun to see the spotlight on many men, passionately doing the choreo to no fault.

Baby photos peppered the screen as TWICE sang sentimental track ‘When We Were Kids’.

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Photo – Jess Gleeson

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A little later came the speeches, thanks, and taking of a group photo with the arena. A fun little surprise was the group choosing their encore on stage in real time by spinning a wheel consisting of 9 songs. After spinning the wheel, they landed on ‘TT’ and ‘Candy pop’. It was a lengthy concert though it finished roughly 30 mins earlier than expected.

Overall and as expected, a high calibre concert. K-pop concerts are something else. Quality choreography, stage production, and charisma from TWICE. The atmosphere created equally by TWICE and Once was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of life. ’FANCY’ and ‘Talk that Talk’ were highlights. A place where you could indulge in and embrace your love for all things pop. It was nice to see a live band, and Chaeyoung and Dahyun incorporate playing instruments. I did not expect the diversity of the solo performances, and I have to single out my ladies Momo and Jihyo. I entered thinking it would be majority girly pop and came out thinking there may be something for everyone. I believe more fan interaction would’ve been nice. I also thought it might’ve been perhaps my ears, but alas it was collectively agreed with the others around me that the sound was generally quite high, a bit uncomfortable, someone might need to chat with the sound tech team.

And that’s a wrap for TWICE’s first ever Australian concert and first Sydney show! An experience is a more suitable description than a concert.

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Photo – Jess Gleeson

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AMNPLIFY – DB