Concert Review: ONE OR EIGHT Delivers Powerful Performance at 'GATHER' American Tour Finale

Japanese boy group ONE OR EIGHT have been on an upward trajectory since they last stepped foot in New York. Last time they were here was for one of just two fan meeting stops in the U.S. This time, it was the final stop of their full tour in North and South America. The GATHER tour kicked off in Japan and will head back to Japan this summer for the finale. The final date of the U.S. leg was at Racket NYC in Manhattan.

Earlier this year, the group released their first album, "GATHER" which consisted of singles they had previously released, plus a new track, "Tokyo Drift." The tour, in support of this album, showcased the music that fans have come to know and love.

The setlist kicked off with a high-energy performance of "Tokyo Drift", with the eight members showing off their powerful dance skills for the first of many times in the evening. The dynamic show continued with the group's songs "Young & Reckless", "Power", and "Bet Your Life." 

While at last year's fanmeeting tour, the group didn't have much music yet, and filled out the set with games and Q&A segments, this time around, there was enough music for the members to perform a full 90+ minute set. 

In the middle of the show, similarly to last year, each member took the stage for a solo performance. The group's rappers - Mizuki, Souma, Neo, and Ryota - came together first for a rap performance the featured each member as a soloist, with the others doing backup. In a moment that has surely gone viral on social media, Ryota took his shirt off for his portion of the performance, much to the enjoyment of the crowd of 1DERZ (ONE OR EIGHT fans). 

Next up, the group's vocalists - Yuga, Reia, Tsubasa, and Takeru - each performed a cover song, showing off their unique charms. Each vocalist has a distinct sound and energy about their performance and stage presence, which was a joy to watch. Tsubasa's powerful vocals on "Youngblood" by 5 Seconds of Summer stood out to me the most. I remember his talent from last year, and this year was no different, perhaps even better. Takeru's performance also featured a dance portion, which the member is best known for. 

Coming back together as a group on stage, the members performed fan-favorite songs "365", "Don't Tell Nobody", "Kawasaki", and "DSTM." They also performed songs that have only been released as live versions, which included "Spellbound", "My Lil' Heart Attack", "Wanna be with you", and "DAY ONES."

Not a single performance was lacking, each member gave 100% energy throughout the entire show. There was an interlude that featured a powerful show-stopping dance number, which had some members doing flips and breakdancing. While they are also talented singers and rappers, these boys are absolutely dancers and performers first and foremost, and this was evident throughout the show.

Wrapping up with an encore, the group performed a brand-new song called "Live Laugh Loud", which featured an audience engagement moment, when the members prompted us all to hold up our hands in an L-shape for the chorus. The song is fun - light, airy, and catchy. It is definitely a departure from some of the group's more intense songs, including their most recently title track. I like this sound from them and I'm glad they're exploring it more.

As a whole, I am noticing so much growth from ONE OR EIGHT since their last apperance in New York. Musically, they have found their sound, and in terms of performance, they absolutely have what it takes to be a top-tier group in the very saturated industry.