The 1st full album from hyper-pop juggernaut aespa has finally landed, and it’s as brash and eclectic as fans were expecting. As experimental as ever, the girl group are back with a bang.
6 months on since the release of the K-Pop quartet’s explosive 4th mini album ‘Drama’, fans were practically drooling over the hotly anticipated announcement of the group’s 1st full album. Now, after weeks of pre-release promotions, the 10 track ‘Armageddon’ has arrived with fierce momentum.
The beginning track ‘Supernova’, which was utilised as a pre-release for the album, is exactly the kind of weird and wonderful sound that aespa are known to deliver to hordes of awaiting fans. The song, which compares the power that aespa bring to the music industry to the effects of a supernova, starts with an instantly commanding verse and a strong beat that outlines the track’s confident lyrics “look at me go”. The pre-chorus contains perhaps one of aespa’s most catchy refrains; the girls’ sassy calls of “ay oh ay” echo underneath the members’ dynamic vocal lines. All four members’ vocals are captivating in the layers of personality that they can collate within the track; with Karina and Giselle contributing stylish raps and Winter and NingNing showing off their accomplished vocal prowess. The track’s glittery electronic touches in the instrumental are a highlight amid this supercharged dance bop, particularly when it comes to the bold synths in the chorus and dance break section.
The title track ‘Armageddon’ may not have as dramatically arresting an intro as previous hits such as 2022’s ‘Girls’ or 2021’s ‘Next Level’, but it serves up thrills and chills just as easily within its edgily experimental sound. With an unconventionally grungy hip-hop instrumental, ‘Armageddon’ radiates a subtle power that grows exponentially with the members’ larger than life vocal performances. Taking advantage of quirky lines throughout the slow burn track, such as the pre-chorus’ undeniably striking “Bang chitty bang bang, chitty bang bang”, ‘Armageddon’ serves as yet another reminder as to why aespa stand out among the masses of K-Pop girl groups.
The glitchy ‘Set The Tone’ is anthemic in its deliverance of aespa’s fiercely unapologetic brand of futuristic pop jams. With the girls smoothly adlibbing over a disjointed instrumental, aespa’s seemingly effortless ability to exude swagger and confidence is on centre stage here. The 4th track ‘Mine’ also uses this minimalist approach as the members’ vocals carry this deliciously dark banger. With NingNing landing some breathtaking Ariana Grande-like vocal runs and the group revelling in their impressive synergy, ‘Mine’ is a song that only aespa could execute to this sky high standard.
The group bring some light-hearted fun to the table in the sugary pop song ‘Licorice’. Comparing a crush to the sugar rush felt while indulging in the titular sweet treat, aespa add a lively dose of playfulness in the wake of the charismatic ‘Mine’. The song’s hook (“You’re just like licorice”) is simple but still sung with enough charm to immediately enchant audiences upon their first listen.
‘Bahama’ showcases the beachy vacation vibes that fans have no doubt been waiting on; sweeping vocal lines and saccharine melodies characterising this feel-good song of the summer. The lyrics themselves are dreamy and evocative of a tropical paradise and help transport listeners to a blissfully tranquil headspace.
On ‘Long Chat’, the girl group best known for exploring the realms between humans and AI is at their most down to earth on this uplifting track. Encapsulating the comforting feeling of catching up with old friends and set against a bubbly and harmony-heavy chorus, this track is soothing in its cheerful ambience. ‘Prologue’ taps into this same melodious soundscape with the group sending a motivational message to those struggling in the midst of their transition into adulthood.
aespa go pop-rock on ‘Live My Life’; an ode to the self-confidence and freedom that comes with breaking free of other’s expectations. The vocals are euphoric as ever here, and wonderfully embody a youthful joy that is at once enthralling to its listeners.
The final track ‘Melody’ is the perfect track to unwind to after making it through this momentous album. A sensitive love song, the group showcase just how their already impressive vocals have matured since their 2020 debut.
Score/Outstanding: Fans waited patiently for this album, and now is their time to bask in this golden moment knowing that aespa are no doubt one of the best in the business. For new listeners: prepare for a sonic explosion of gritty instrumentals and soaring vocals – for sure you will never look back.
[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]
Follow aespa on:
![Wong Diane Now Only Me [Single Review]](https://musicreviewworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wong-Diane-Now-Only-Me-Single-Review-1-356x220.png "Wong Diane – Now Only Me (Single Review)")
