South Korean hip hop trio Epik High lit up the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, as they reach the last lap of The Pump Tour across the U.S. Fans were ecstatic to see the group return to Boston once again, as they made their way towards the classic theater with tons of middle finger-raising light sticks to get the party started.
Epik High treated the audience to a lengthy pre-show set, where the trio sat on a couch on the screens and played the “Epik High Quiz Show”. Their quick and witty humor was on full display, as they went over a series of questions related to the group, their interests and their music, including a reference to BTS’ leader RM and how he and many other artists were inspired by Epik High’s earlier albums. Once the pre-show was over, fans were able to access a lofi playlist on the group’s YouTube page, via a QR code that flashed on the screens.
The wait wouldn’t be too long though, as the lights went down soon after and everyone got up on their feet. The trio mixes their high energy performances with hilarious commentary in between songs, led by rapper and producer Tablo: he serves as the main english speaker, but this doesn’t take away from the undeniable chemistry between the members and the crowd. Poking fun at DJ Tukutz, Tablo shared a story from the soundcheck fan meet that turned into the running joke of the night: Tukutz must prove he’s the “Taylor Swift of South Korea”. The group’s charisma plays a big role in the performance, keeping the crowd both jumping and laughing simultaneously.
After declaring rapper and singer Mithra Jin “the most popular member in the United States”, he would be the first to be sent into the crowd to perform amongst the fans, going all the way up to the balcony. Tukutz and Tablo would follow suit later in the evening, all while making sure to spray the audience with water bottles several times. From the cheeky “K-DRAMA” to the energetic “High Technology”, Epik High’s set was electrifying and infectious, turning the old theater into a vibrant dancefloor filled with flashing lights. Despite all the jokes and stage antics, Tablo made sure to take a moment to thank the fans, and express his appreciation for them and the energy they brought in one simple, yet powerful phrase: “You were busy looking at us, but we were busy looking at you”.
A definitely-not-an-encore encore closed the show, not without Tablo declaring he had just choked on some fried chicken seconds earlier; this is the Epik High experience in a nutshell. An unforgettable performance full of energy, fun and sincerity.
Words by Maria Alejandra Mata
Photos by Isné Bobo Nuyent
Keep up with Epik High: Website // Instagram // TikTok
