All Photo Cr. // Cheyenne Chong-Hoover
The way an artist opens a concert is one of the most anticipated moments for fans. It sets the tone for the night and can set the show apart from others. As the lights darkened on the screen reading 'NCT 127,' cheers roared through Gas South Arena; The silhouettes of NCT 127's members Johnny, Yuta, Mark, Jungwoo, Doyoung, and Haechan emerged from the fog and the North American leg of their 4th tour 'NEO CITY - The Momentum' officially began.
While Jaehyun and Taeyong complete their mandatory military service, the rest of NCT 127 continues to be dedicated to bringing eye-catching stages and enthralling storytelling elements on this tour.
The show starts with 'Gas,' 'Faster,' and 'Bring the Noize' -- all songs perfectly tuned to ignite a neo night. And after quick introductions, shedding a layer for the next stage, and some mannequin setup in each stage corner, NCT 127 was ready to sing and act for 'Desire.' Fans were semi-immersed mid-music video and the members chose new pieces of their next stage outfits right before NCTzen's eyes.
One of the greatest aspects of a show is the rhythm it follows. NCT 127 kicks the show into gear with hard-hitting, bass-heavy tracks but keeps the energy flowing with bright songs like 'Orange Seoul' and 'TOUCH.'
After the first bout of confetti for the evening, it is time for what Mark deemed the "TMI section." It comes as no surprise to NCTzens that Johnny and other members find humor in one another because after Mark tells a short story, Johnny deems this section "Storytime" instead of a TMI moment. The members share a few more details about their trip and excited feelings for the evening before swiftly moving into 'Whiplash.' Donning white button-up shirts, black slacks, and red stage lighting, the showman make their way to the main stage to show off incredibly synced and strong choreography and a seamless transition into 'Lemonade.'
A mellow mood sweeps in with gray lighting and an outfit change for 'Rain Drop.' A song like 'Rain Drop,' feels uniquely NCT because while many can create meaningful lyrics to a ballad-type feel, this rendition of emotions and inner thoughts comes with levels of the sounds each member expresses through their position; The vocalists' melodies make transitions to the sustained lower key and different rhythmic stylings of the rappers before a collective, staccato, and bass-backed, "들려온다 나의 rain drop!"
Maintaining the ballad mood, the members take up their own spotlights on the main stage, disco balls appear on the corners of the extended stage, and as the lights above the stage shine on the mirrors of the disco balls, a starry night is created inside Gas South Arena. The awe of the evening was sustained as the members' vocals hung in the air.
A long VCR allows fans to recover from the emotional middle set of the night and lock back in to the storytelling aspect of the show. Johnny mentions that the concept of this tour is meant to feel like a movie, even uttering a "We hope to become your favorite movie," that really sets the crowd alight. And after the almost apocalyptic-type-mission video NCTzens had just viewed, the show rocks back into a momentous cheer with 'Kick It' and 'Fact Check.'
They close the show in a romantic palace setting of sunset colors and columns gracing the background screens. The members sing tunes like 'Meaning of Love' and 'Dreams Come True' while tossing keepsakes into the crowd and putting a beautiful cap on the night with interactions and waves to fans on every level in the arena.
Some of the final notes from the members of NCT 127, Atlanta fans were left with include, "Thank you for a great start to the tour," "next time we want two shows here," and "It feels like you all genuinely liked our music and songs and I cherish the connection we had today." And of course a quick shoutout to the two green stick figure fans on the floor matching choreo for choreo throughout the night. The actual last song was marked by a Doyoung wink and flying kiss as they sang the evening out with 'Promise You.' It is true what they say, there is something uniquely special about seeing a sea of lightsticks dancing along to a favorite song, especially when it's neon green.
Don't miss NCT 127 on the rest of 'The Momentum' tour. And check out more photos from the Atlanta stop below.
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