aespa - Whiplash
Just close your eyes, breathe in and visualize
Aespa made a swift and impactful comeback, further cementing their position as one of the leading K-pop groups. Less than a year has passed since their last EP and just under six months since their debut album, yet their creative momentum shows no signs of slowing. So, what has SM Entertainment’s flagship girl group delivered this time?
The group focused on a darker, dance-oriented electronic sound, which was also present in their previous works, but now given a sharper, more concentrated focus. The latest album skillfully blends electronic elements with R&B, creating a rich and dynamic sonic landscape.
The lead single, Whiplash, produced by British producer Shift K3Y, boasts a distinctly European sound. Although it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their previous lead singles, it serves as an atmospheric bridge, setting the stage for the next track, Kill It.
Kill It is where the real magic happens. Here, aespa crafts a powerful electronic sound with lush instrumentals that remind listeners why so many fell in love with this group in the first place. The track showcases a higher level of production quality and a compositional structure that keeps the song from stagnating. However, not everything hits the mark. A notable downside is the track Pink Hoodie, which features an outdated and overused SM Entertainment sound that has been recycled in many popular group releases under the label. It feels like an unreleased demo meant for a group like NCT.
Overall, the album is solid and even surpasses their debut full-length release, as it has fewer filler tracks. Listening to it evokes comparisons with LE SSERAFIM’s recent EP CRAZY, as both projects lean towards an electronic-dance direction and feature a few genre-bending b-sides. Nevertheless, aespa stands out with their style and creativity, a refined approach to genre fusion, and a more deliberate musical direction. As a result, Whiplash feels more contemporary and polished than the work of competing groups.
aespa continues to confidently carve out their path in the industry, demonstrating their willingness to work hard and deliver quality material. This EP reaffirms their status as one of the leading K-pop girl groups, even though it may not become a standout release in their discography. Nevertheless, their fifth EP underscores aespa’s consistency and ability to hold their audience’s attention. The group steadily fortifies its position, proving that their success is no accident but the outcome of dedication and a creative approach.
7.2/10