The immensely talented girl group Aespa has finally returned with Armageddon, their long-awaited first full album containing ten songs. Beginning with a strong first five tracks, the latter five calm the energy, ending with a ballad. From top to bottom, the album showcases Aespa’s limitless style and range.
For those unfamiliar, the group is based out of South Korea, known for futuristic, high-brow digital concepts. Aespa’s name combines the words “avatar,” “experience,” and “aspect,” setting the tone for their creative direction. The group’s lore expands and shifts with each new music release, constantly creating buzz among fans online and piquing the interest of casual onlookers.
Leading up to Armageddon, Aespa’s storyline took an ominous turn. Each of the four members, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning, have a digital double called an “æ” (pronounced “I”) originating from a parallel reality, the “FLAT.” The members can travel realities when they “SYNK” with their “æ.” But with every time travel experiment comes at least one unsettling glitch.
Karina’s solo performance “Menagerie” first clearly emphasized the eeriness of having a virtual “you,” both visually and lyrically. She performed the song on Aespa’s 2023 tour, “Synk: Hyper Line.” It seems to question who has control, the “æ” or the real Karina. After smashing a glass veil, Karina’s “æ” appears, guiding and mimicking her movements. She sings, “I will conquer you… I can break the tricks… you are just a copy that covers my eyes.” (1)
Continuing this narrative, in December 2023, Aespa released “Drama.” Its music video opens with a horror game-esque set of instructions:
Throughout the video, Aespa members fight each other, or perhaps “æ” versions of each other, surrounded by a flock of faceless dancers. Imagery-wise, mirrors, and infinite duplication dominate, intensifying the liminal and mysterious qualities of the video.
The rollout of Armageddon has been nothing short of compelling, expanding on the ongoing themes of authenticity, paranoia, and reality-bending. Some teaser photos and videos named “Find The Authentic” feature glitchy, dark fashion and editing. As an interactive teaser, the group made an ARG (Alternate Reality Game) website, aespa.com, containing various “channels” to explore. The 16-bit colors and blocky text are reminiscent of the Windows XP era, a refreshing contrast to Aespa’s usual modern, high-definition concept art. Oh, but they deliver that too:
Armageddon is the sonic manifestation of all the above, elevated by sophisticated production and performances. The word itself defines a dramatic final battle between good and evil, but as a title, it expresses the dichotomy of Aespa’s sharp, femme fatale tracks next to their sparkling, sweeter sounds. It could also refer to a world-destroying, catastrophic event, such as a…
“Supernova.” This song is impactful, genre-bending, super catchy, and the perfect choice as the pre-release single. Crafted by the genius minds of composers KENZIE, DemJointz, and Paris Alexa, it was set to be an immediate hit. The song begins with a sassy spoken intro that leads straight into the first verse (much like the famous “Savage”). The hook comes in shortly after:
Event’s imminent ah, oh, ayy
Blowin’ up crazy ah, oh ayy
Aespa, “Supernova”
The bridge seamlessly samples the 1986 hit “Planet Rock” by Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force, adding some vintage flair. Crisp metallic sounds dance from ear to ear during the outro.
Next is the hip-hop fusion title track “Armageddon” offering next-level creativity from composers No Identity, Waker (153/Joombas), EJAE, SUMIN, and Charlotte Wilson. The music video features otherworldly makeup appliques, detailed 3D renders, and visuals straight from the uncanny valley.
The satisfying mix of each member’s unique vocal timbre with just enough harmonic dissonance emphasizes the bold message of the track:
Drive off the darkness once more
And so it flowers, this story of us
Aespa, “Armageddon”
“Set The Tone” serves up attitude on a silver platter as Aespa takes ownership of their musical prowess:
We set the tone
Follow us where we go
Aespa, “Set The Tone”
The chorus is punchy and heavy, contrasted by the smooth harmonies of the pre-chorus, a combination fans know and love.
“Mine” is the quintessential trap EDM-adjacent Aespa track. The sound design is beautifully boundless, echoing with power. The lyrics convey facing deception and shadows within oneself, nodding at the “æ” concept:
A portrait that’s fake like a broken mirror
It feels like it’s slowly swallowing me, mine
Aespa, “Mine”
“Licorice” introduces some rock elements to the album, driven by crunchy and playful electric guitar riffs. The accompanying video shows the members as old-school anime heroes defeating a mint-chocolate monster. Why not?
“BAHAMA” embodies flowery, summer fun. Listening to this song feels like jumping into an aquatic Lisa Frank design. It is an automatic mood-booster.
“Long Chat (#♥)” is next. It is a synthy, bouncy pop track about talking all night with your best friends. The bridge temporarily changes pace, making space for delicate vocal displays from each member.
Whimsical and swingy, “Prologue” plays next. Over warm, friendly piano chords and light strings, they describe feelings of the world moving faster than they expect:
Behind the running time
I’m the only one standing still
Aespa, “Prologue”
Short and sweet is “Live My Life,” Aespa’s soft rock debut. Anthemic and uplifting, this track is sure to translate well in concert. The song sends positive messages as they vow to break free from other’s opinions, living loudly and in pursuit of personal joy.
“목소리 (Melody)” closes out Armageddon on a sentimental note. The instrumentals are as poetic as the lyrics, filling the space with a vivid, fairy-tale-like orchestra.
My eternal sanctuary
Unknowingly drawn
With every step I take
For you, for you
Aespa, “목소리 (Melody)”
Overall, Armageddon is an amalgam of Aespa’s best qualities, continuing their streak of exciting title tracks and B-sides that contend with them. Their commitment to storytelling and taking creative risks is commendable and unstoppable.
Experience Armageddon on Spotify and Apple Music, and follow Aespa on Instagram for updates.
Also, check out these analysis threads to dive deeper into Aespa lore.
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