On March 17, S.A.R. delivered a dazzling auditory feast at Billboard Live Taipei. Even on an ordinary Tuesday evening, fans showed up in full force to welcome the band’s first-ever performance in Taiwan.

Over the course of a 90-minute sensory experience, S.A.R. performed more than a dozen tracks, including popular songs like “Moon,” “POOL,” “Side by Side,” and “Back to Wild.” They fully showcased their signature kool aesthetic, seamlessly blending jazz, rock, hip-hop, and even reggae.

Amid richly layered instrumentation, lead vocalist Santa’s deep and powerful voice carried the entire show. Even in higher registers, his tone remained impressively stable—captivating the audience from the very first note. In S.A.R.’s recorded tracks, the vocal line is typically not overly emphasized in the mix, but in a live setting, supported by a well-balanced sound system and a steady low-end foundation, the vocals truly shine. This reveals the delicate nuances that set S.A.R. apart in contemporary Japanese R&B, infused with an irresistible, D’Angelo-like soulful groove. This is precisely why their live performances are not to be missed.

Another highlight was guitarist and MC Imu Sam, who effortlessly switched between manipulating guitar effects and delivering rap verses. His strong chemistry with Santa added tremendous energy to the performance. Although bassist Eno was absent due to health reasons, the programmed bass—enhanced by excellent live sound engineering—faithfully recreated the feel of a live performance. Combined with drummer May Chang’s remarkable stability, skillful use of brushes, and varied drumsticks, the rhythm section remained solid and dynamic. Keyboardist Taro’s intricate rhythmic arrangements and layered textures created sparks of musical imagination—even with eyes closed—leaving the audience completely absorbed in S.A.R.’s explosive live presence.

The band continued with songs like “Side by Side,” “UPTOWN,” “Back to Wild,” and “POOL,” all carrying a distinct urban R&B charm. While the overall style remained cohesive, live embellishments from keyboard tones and electric guitar effects gave these songs a fresh dimension compared to their streaming versions. From the body language of core members Imu Sam and Santa, it was clear they were fully immersed in and enjoying every moment of the performance.

During “Moon,” Santa recreated the autotune intro from the recorded version, adding an electronic texture to the song’s smooth and emotional R&B vibe. His mastery of autotune—something many find difficult to control—was evident, as the live soundscape allowed the audience to follow the subtle twists and turns of the vocal tone. Meanwhile, Taro chose a gospel-like keyboard sound for this arrangement, giving “Moon” a fresh interpretation while preserving its soulful essence.

Another unforgettable moment came with “Kaminari.” As a personal favorite among the band members, this track showcased the ever-changing nature of S.A.R.’s live performances. Its rhythm twists and turns unpredictably, with May Chang’s drumming—especially the rich tom sounds—capturing full attention. After an almost imperceptible transition, the song shifted into a reggae groove, featuring Imu Sam’s spring reverb-drenched guitar and a deep bassline, offering a dual-layered musical experience within a single piece.

Finally, it’s worth noting that S.A.R. released their new single “Tell Me” on the very day of their Billboard Live Taipei performance. Retaining their signature musicianship while incorporating more hip-hop elements, the track leaves fans even more excited for what’s to come. One can only hope they return to Taipei soon, continuing to expand their audience in Taiwan through a genre-defying, borderless musical language.