SM Entertainment’s six-member boy group RIIZE filled up the large halls of the Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Coming from far and wide, BRIIZE (fans of RIIZE) were ready to cheer on Anton, Eunseok, Shotaro, Sungchan, Sohee, and Wonbin for a night they could never forget. Armed with their light sticks and photo cards, fans couldn’t wait to see their favorite group on their first world tour.
Starting off the show with a VCR video, the sextet cut up the stage with “Ember to Solar.” As a portmanteau of “realize” and “rise,” RIIZE has grown together with BRIIZE since their debut in 2023. But they wanted to keep their setlist as fresh as possible with tracks from their latest album, Odyssey. Although it’s hard to believe their debut performance in the US occurred at KCON 2023, RIIZE has since grown as both performers and entertainers on a world stage.
Their stage crew ensured every show was done with high-quality production as the bright lighting, pre-recorded content, and quality camera work worked overtime to spotlight the members of the group as they danced on stage. Of course, three costume changes doesn’t hurt either. Their mics were obviously on as the speakers broadcasted them catching their breath as they continued to sing while performing intense choreography. It’s no mystery why they had multiple VCRs to give both their vocals and their muscles a break.
One major improvement on their 2024 concert was their stage presence and confidence in holding their audiences accountable. During their first fan-talk segment, the members gleefully pitted Los Angeles against San Francisco, which was the tour stop before the Peacock Theater. Anton teasingly told LA they “could be louder” as SF was even louder, which immediately pulled out deafening voices that had something to prove. The other members laughed and agreed that they’ll determine the real winner at the very end.
Despite the yearlong gap since their last LA performance, the six members didn’t spend 2025 resting on their laurels. As part of their first world tour, RIIZE wanted to show their stability while still challenging themselves in front of an international crowd. While they focused on their dance-heavy tracks to get the crowd on their feet, they then switched over to more vocally demanding tracks after they warmed up. Changing from their initial white jackets to red jerseys for “Midnight Mirage,” RIIZE flexed their harmonies and inter-group chemistry. Sohee’s vocals became a centerpiece as a complete standout when he delivered the high notes in “Love 119.”
Fully embracing the campiness of the many love songs in their discography, the members would play into the lyrics, giving the front row and fans further back as much fan service as they could. During a break, the members did a call and response, fully adopting the usual barking and hollering they’d hear at US stops.
We admired their boundless energy; both Sohee and Shotaro would run and bump into each other midair even after the body workout of “Fly Up.” The members bent backwards (literally) for a key move during the bridge, and still got up to sing with live vocals. For “Honestly,” the members changed into flowy clothing that emphasized their choreography, highlighting solo performances featuring body rolls and artistic freestyle dancing.
Marching towards the closing segment of their setlist, “Talk Sexy” and “Impossible” had the six men running back and forth while jumping to fancy footwork. Fans attempted to follow suit as they danced just as hard in the stands.
“I knew you guys had it in you. I think we’re going to beat San Francisco tonight,” said Anton. Sungchan wasn’t satisfied. “Can we hear the voice of angels? EVEN LOUDER!”
In a surprise turn of events, Anton and Wonbin came onstage with a bass and an electric guitar for their debut single, “Get a Guitar.” This felt like a homecoming; it felt like a culmination of their efforts and performances at KCON and last year’s fan concert. “Because it was our first time, I was worried how it would go. Thankfully I had nothing to worry about,” shared Shotaro. BRIIZE felt just as much pride for their group as the show came to an end, closing the curtain on the last US show in the 2025 RIIZING LOUD tour.
