Returning stateside for the first time since 2022, five-member K-pop group MCND began the U.S. leg of their Odd Venture tour in New York City. Designed to showcase the group’s latest album by the same name, the tour drew in a decently sized crowd, bustling with excitement, into the Racket NYC. The intimate venue was more like a pair of bars on opposite walls with a stage in the middle, however it seemed perfect for a crowd this size. MCND fans, known as GEM, slowly made their way into the venue all the way up until it was time for the show to start. As the lights dimmed in the already dark venue, the crowd began to scream, waving their lightsticks up in the air as they jumped in excitement.
The group emerged from the darkness, dressed in matching outfits. Their figures were illuminated by the LED screens serving as their backdrop, which throughout the show displayed complementary visuals that synchronized perfectly with the music’s beats. Fans did not have to wait long to hear the group’s new music as they opened the show with “ODD-Venture,” the title track of their recent album as well as “Cruise,” one of the B-sides on the album as well. Just two songs in, the venue was noticeably starting to heat up, prompting the group to take a moment to grab a drink and introduce themselves to the crowd. Without hesitation, they launched into their next songs, performing “Crush” and “Pop Star” back to back, opening the show up with four high energy songs to get the crowd pumped up.
Taking a moment between songs, the group asked the audience for food recommendations while they were in New York City. They exclaimed in delight when they heard fans suggest KFC and Raising Canes, as well as local favorites such as pizza and wings. Castle J responded eagerly in English with his own favorite foods, recommending everyone try bibimbap and kimchi jjigae.
Briefly leaving the stage for an outfit change, the group returned in more casual wear. Delivering performances of “BLOW” and “PLAYER,” MCND demonstrated their impressive dance skills, moving as one. Taking another break to speak to the crowd, Castle J proposed, “The atmosphere in here is rising up, but before we move on, how about we show some of our charisma?” Voted unanimously by his members, Win was up first and took suggestions from the crowd, who eagerly wanted him to show off his sexiness. Playfully, he joked around with the crowd before lifting the corner of his shirt, eliciting feral screams from the audience. Minjae jokingly apologized to the crowd that he would not be able to show off his muscles as he was wearing a long sleeve shirt.
Next, Huijun sang a portion of Adele’s “When We Were Young,” showcasing his prowess as the group’s main vocalist without any backing tracks or instrumentals. Bic’s display took a comedic turn as he demonstrated his improv skills, imitating the sound of a car revving and screeching to a halt with his voice, earning laughter from the crowd. When it was finally Minjae’s turn, he asked the crowd what they wanted to see. Hearing the crowd screaming for him to show off his cute side, he decided to do the exact opposite, pulling up his shirt and doing a few body rolls. Closing the segment off, Castle J did a freestyle rap, getting the crowd hyped up for the next song.
With the energy at an all-time high, the members performed “nanana,” “Spring,” and “Louder” consecutively. Seeing the group perform the choreo on stage along with the crowd’s cheers, it was evident they were having as much fun onstage as the fans were watching. “We were worried you guys wouldn’t know the songs too well but you do!” exclaimed one of the members as they prepared for their next song. Making sure the crowd wasn’t overheating, Castle J joked, “I don’t think you’re hot enough yet! Are you ready to jump?!” as they continued on to songs such like “H.B.C.,” which has no right to go as hard as it does for a song about chips.
Returning from backstage once more, this time in matching white button up shirts and black pants, the sleek quintet performed “Run,” an English version of “W.A.T.1,” and “Movin’” before starting their final thoughts and goodbyes. Castle J remarked that “time moves too fast; it’s so sad,” followed by Minjae inviting each member to say some words to the crowd. Each member took their time to thank their fans and promised to return. “Next time we come to New York, you’ll come back, right?” asked Minjae.“Just like tonight, we will be back with even better songs.” Bic expressed his gratitude to fans who had come to see them previously: “During our fansign earlier, there are people I recognized from before. For anyone here a second time, I sincerely thank you.” Closing off the farewells, Castle J added, “We don’t have enough time to tour New York City. It’s so sad… but in my memories, New York is you.”
Dressed in their tour merch with stylish alterations, they performed the title track of their debut album, “Ice Age,” to close out the show. With only a little time left in the show, the group did their best to have as much fun with the fans as they could. They interacted with the crowd, taking banners and toys from them and playing with them on stage. The group even began grabbing their water bottles and splashing the crowd a bit, making sure to make the night memorable for those in attendance.
As is seemingly customary at concerts in New York, the group sang the iconic lines from JAY-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” while waving goodbye and exiting the stage. With the crowd singing along, Castle J showed off one last time by holding a high note for as long as he could. The group ended the show with a bow, telling their fans “see you next time.” As fans began to file out of the venue, there was still a lingering sense of excitement in the air from the energetic show. Starting their tour off strong, MCND gave U.S. GEM at future stops a lot to look forward to.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the concert:
