Live review: Kiss Of Life at the 02 Academy, Glasgow

Writer and indie music lover Neil Renton reviews K-pop girl group Kiss of Life’s recent show in Glasgow.

K-pop is a strange genre of music.

On one hand, it’s massively popular—artists regularly feature among Spotify’s most-streamed acts, albums break records, and some of the scene’s biggest stars are among the most followed on Instagram. However, it hasn’t fully immersed itself in the mainstream, especially in this country.

Yet.

There is a following and a demand for it—an Eastern take on some of the finest pop the West has given us. Think Michael Jackson and vintage R&B. This is especially prominent north of the border, however touring acts rarely make it to the UK, and when they do, it’s usually to the stadiums of London or the arenas of Manchester.

Girl group Kiss of Life took the initiative and made it to Glasgow as part of their world tour.

To put it into context, the last band to make an impression in Scotland’s biggest city was STAYC, who held a photoshoot at Ibrox after a mix-up saw them wear Rangers football tops instead of those of an American ice hockey team.

The O2 Academy was the lucky venue to host this monumental occasion—something of a coup when you consider Kiss of Life had been playing to far bigger audiences in mainland Europe.

So, the stage was set, but the question remained—what kind of crowd would be in attendance? A respectful bunch of fans (otherwise known as KISSY), or the boisterous, fun-loving gathering you tend to find at gigs in Scotland?

The answer was both.

There was a slight apprehension that the O2 would struggle with the concert. A few nights earlier, the band had played to a packed Indigo in London, with rumours circulating that the venue had underestimated the scale of the occasion.

Fans desperate to see their heroes weren’t willing to miss out, with some queuing overnight for the chance to get as close to the front of the barriers as possible. Two massive queues formed on either side of the entrance.

You might have no interest in K-pop or even dislike the music, but one thing you can’t deny is the sense of community among its fans. They look out for each other, sharing a uniqueness that bonds them together.

The gig itself felt very much like a work in progress. I’ve seen other acts, such as Stray Kids and Ateez, with elaborate stage sets and dance routines.

Kiss of Life didn’t have gigantic screens or breathtaking props. They didn’t even have a support act. But they still managed to put on a show that left their fans wanting more.

The four members looked a bit tired—and admitted it. There was a lull during proceedings when they stepped off for a costume change, leaving only pre-recorded voiceovers and an empty stage.

But when they performed, they delivered.

‘Te Quiero’ saw them carrying out an intimate dance for a carefully selected attendee—something that would have set off any Facebook Karens gearing up for the arrival of Sabrina Carpenter later in the week.

They delivered a vocal masterclass with the power ballad ‘Nothing’ and ripped it up with ‘Sticky’ and ‘Midas Touch.’ It was refreshing to see a K-pop group put on a show that relied primarily on their voices.

How did the audience respond? They lapped it up, showing their gratitude with choruses of ‘No Scotland, No Party’ and that other popular gig chant—which sounded rushed before the supporters were pulled up by disapproving parents.

Kiss of Life, draped in a Saltire, returned at the end and thanked the crowd. They promised to be back at a bigger venue.

You wouldn’t be surprised if they kept their word.