A concert venue with a rich history, The Wiltern has hosted global music icons such as Madonna, Tears For Fears, and Björk over the years. Today (18 July PH/SG/MY Standard Time), its guests are Dreamcatcher, who have more than earned their spot in the Los Angeles-based theatre's star-studded guest book. 

The K-pop girl group are there, for the second time in the span of two days, to wrap up the United States leg of their "Apocalypse: Save us" world tour. They are joined not only by those in the packed-out venue, but also by InSomnias worldwide through a live stream on the concert streaming platform Veeps. 

Titled after the septet's second studio album, the tour has been a well-deserved victory lap for Dreamcatcher, who have been on a meteoric ascent since they last visited the United States as part of their Invitation to Nightmare City World Tour in 2019. Aside from increasing their following with each release, the group have secured their first two music show wins and graced the 2022 edition of the prestigious Primavera Sound Festival.

As soon as JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyeon burst into song and dance for the opening number 'MAISON' — which made them music show champions earlier this year — it is easy to see why the entire world is so entranced by them. Their live rendition of the title track from Apocalypse: Save us is executed with so much energy and conviction that it instantly ignites the stage and draws a rapturous reception from the crowd in attendance. The Wiltern now belongs to Dreamcatcher.

Then, without wasting any time, the group continue to showcase their distinctive rock sound through their 2019 hit 'PIRI' before displaying their versatility by way of a selection of B-side tracks from different eras. 'Locked Inside a Door', 'Jazz Bar', and 'Black or White' all feature in this segment, but the two standout numbers are 'Always' and 'Can't get you out of my mind'. 

One a ballad and one an upbeat EDM track, the songs seem different on the surface but lyrically, they both reflect the symbiotic bond between Dreamcatcher and their fans. 

This bond is visible during the group's moving live rendition of 'Always', during which all members can be seen gazing upon InSomnias affectionately. In response, InSomnias in attendance raise their recognisable lightsticks (known as "Mongmongies") and sway them from side to side. Beautiful and intimate, this is a form of interaction that Dreamcatcher and their fans have sorely missed. 

"Los Angeles means "angels" in Spanish. The song 'Always' is a letter to our angels, our InSomnias," shares SuA.

"The main thing that we achieved this year was our first win," says JiU.

"Thank you very much. It's all your effort," adds Yoohyeon.

Shortly after, 'Can't get you out of my mind' completely changes the atmosphere within The Wiltern. The infectious full-English track has both the group and their fans bouncing ecstatically in celebration of their special relationship.  

2022 has been a year of many highlights for Dreamcatcher, with one being the release of seven solo tracks as part of Apocalypse: Save us. Each song showcases the individuality of a member of the group, who also contributed to its lyrics.

Midway through the concert, the members of Dreamcatcher take turns to show off their creations by performing snippets from them. These short performances are a far cry from traditional solo stages but they open up opportunities for fun interactions within the group. 

It is revealed that SuA's 'No Dot' is the song whose choreography members will have to put their own spins on and Dami, Siyeon, Handong, and Yoohyeon are selected for the challenge. Egged on by their bandmates and fans, they deliver brief but entertaining renditions. It is instantly evident that members of Dreamcatcher are extremely supportive of each other's solo endeavours, and it is during this segment that their sisterly love shines through.  

Familiar numbers from the group's eclectic discography, including 'BEcause', 'Odd Eye', 'Scream', 'BOCA', and 'Deja Vu', populate the remainder of the setlist. Despite the fact that this is their ninth show in less than three weeks, their movements are as sharp as ever and their energy level never wanes. This is a testament to Dreamcatcher's strong commitment to their craft and is a reminder that they are not planning to slow down anytime soon.

"I really hope [that] one day, Dreamcatcher will go down in the hall of fame," says JiU during a conversation about Los Angeles' reputation as an arts haven and the glamour of Hollywood, adding that she will continue to work hard. 

Although they have grown in fame and become more successful in the last few years, Dreamcatcher are still the same humble, relatable, and endearing group that they were when they made their debut in 2017.

"I was actually worried, because we hadn't been on tour for a while, that our fans would have forgotten about us. I was touched to see that there are so many more people who want to see us," shares Dami. 

The final song of the day is 'New Days', which has recently become a customary closing number at the group's shows. Bursting with optimism, it is not only the perfect song to conclude a memorable concert with, but also a herald of exciting new days ahead for Dreamcatcher.

Stream Apocalypse: Save us here: