The dimly lit Whisky A Go Go, a historic cornerstone of rock music known for hosting legends such as The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and Janis Joplin, was the perfect backdrop for LØREN’s first-ever headline show. The venue’s gritty, intimate vibe, where old-school charm and modern energy collide, sets the stage for the multifaceted artist whose blend of grunge’s raw edge, punk’s rebellious spirit, and his introspective lyricism, channels the same energy and spirit that defined the icons before him.
The packed crowd buzzed with anticipation as LØREN and his bandmates—guitarists Jack and June, bassist Mikey, and drummer Leeoh—took their positions on stage. The room erupted in cheers as the first notes of “All My Friends Are Turning Blue” filled the air, a perfect choice for an opening number. Its catchy melody contrasts with biting lyrics that call out those living life without drive or ambition. With a brief “갑시다 [let’s go]” to the band, LØREN seamlessly transitioned into “Folks” from his EP, Put Up A Fight. The reflective number also criticizes those who are quick to judge others without understanding the battles that they face, with LØREN singing, “My lies are getting told / These folks they’ll never know / Inside what’s left of my mind / And I should never show.” With every guitar riff, lyric, and drumbeat, the audience was pulled further into LØREN’s raw and emotional soundscape.
While LØREN lets his music speak for itself, it’s worth noting his musical journey. Born Lee Seung-Joo, his path to the stage was a bit unconventional. Before stepping into the spotlight, he made his mark behind the scenes. Earning production credit on G-DRAGON’s “BULLSHIT” under the name Cawlr, he later received songwriting credits for BLACKPINK’s “Pretty Savage,” “You Never Know,” and “Love Sick Girls.” By that time, he already adopted his current moniker LØREN—derived from his tattoo “LONER,” a nod to his independent nature and deeply personal approach to his craft. Although he dabbled in various genres, rock was always his true passion, a genre he felt the deepest connection to since childhood. He fully embraced the genre when he made his solo debut in 2020 with his song, “Empty Trash.” Taking full creative control, from songwriting and recording all the instrumentals to the final mixing, he quickly established his own authentic sound.
LØREN continues to embrace a hands-on approach, but has begun branching out into collaborations, as seen in his most recent release, “Gasoline.” The track, co-written with Justin Hayward Young of the English indie rock band The Vaccines, brought a dynamic energy to the set. The show reached a fever pitch with the fan-favorite “Panic,” the standout angst anthem that perfectly captures the difficult emotions that come with life’s challenges. The crowd was emotionally invested. They savored the intimate verses before rocking out to the swelling chorus, some singing alongside LØREN’s languid yet gruff vocals, creating a cathartic moment.
Several unreleased songs were woven into the set, including “Submarine” and “Emergency,” which have been performed at past festivals. Those who were familiar with them happily sang and bopped along, hoping and praying that these unreleased gems would make the cut and finally be included in LØREN’s future album.
To close out the night, LØREN tapped into gritty, indie rock nostalgia with a live cover of “Freaks” by American indie surf rock band, Surf Curse. It was a fun way to end the show, with its upbeat, driving rhythm that had the audience dancing and bopping along despite the raw lyrics about inner turmoil and the desire to escape reality. In just 45 minutes, LØREN not only captivated the audience but also the Whisky A Go Go’s staff and fellow musicians in the room. If the walls could talk, they’d add LØREN’s name to its storied history as an emerging force in the rock scene. LØREN is poised to make a significant impact in the coming year and is definitely an artist to watch in 2025.
fuelthescene.com 