By Naomi Rodriguez | 10 June, 2024
aespa for Armageddon on X.
The rise of technology since the use of AI has sparked debates across all forms of media and the arts. What does this mean for artists in the industry? As much as we’re curious, aespa continues to rise in a distinctive way that we’ve never seen before.
Since their debut in 2020, they have brought their fans the world of AI avatars, the world of KWANGYA, and how technology continues to change the way we function in society. Many were skeptical. Making fake characters for real people–what can that even entail? However, in 2023, aespa brought a shift in their lore. Once escaping KWANGYA–translated as wilderness ruled by Naevis–the four girls are in our world now. As a result, we see the repercussions of the things that rule us: technology.
This new comeback, their first a full length album brings in the concepts of analog horror, surveillance, and technological glitches through their teasers. Their official website is adorned with puzzle-like menus in the spelling of Armageddon that show that aespa is aware of an alien-like existence on earth: is it Naevis, or is it them?
aespa “Supernova” music video still.
“Supernova” was this comeback's introduction, and the official pre-release. This track and music video is a nod to glitch pop and postdigital music, which only enhances the mystery of who the girls are in this world. It is reminiscent of their first few title tracks: Winter giving us a taste in the beginning and the rest of the girls going straight into the verse. “Supernova” is a beat and electronic heavy track that experiments with the boundaries of their voices with fast camerawork and strong special effects.
aespa will always do something different, and if you thought “Supernova” was a lot–wait till you see “Armagaeddon.” “Armagaeddon” is their official title track for their first album, and worth the wait it was. This track carries a more hip-hop instrumental with layered sounds and the members unique voices to continue the storyline of a technological and otherworldly personas. Many people wondered how they could top the iconic “Drama” choreography and visuals, and they did ten times over. The point choreography in the chorus is one of the most addicting choreos I’ve ever seen. Whereas the visuals, they invited many 3D artists to build upon the bodies of the members–creating ethereal beings for the members.
A criticism given by MY’s is the use of AI in the music video. We see small clips of AI art during the transitions of intense editing scenes. Many fans expressed their disapproval here, primarily due to the fact SM Ent has extremely talented 3D, SFX, and video artists for aespa. However, Ningning expressed it best during their comeback showcase–”But if you think again and think deeper, I realized, even in a world where AI covers and AI-anything are so popular, AI won’t be able to replicate our expressions and the temperatures of humans.”
The rest of the album showcases the range aespa holds. Listeners get a glimpse of rap-focused tracks like “Mine,” tropical-infused rhythms with “BAHAMA,” and pop punk with “Live My Life.” One of the versions of their physical album comes in the form of a real cd player that connects to headphones and has LED lights, which only enforces the use and importance of physical music. With each comeback, aespa brings more of their talents to the forefront and cementing themselves as one of the biggest groups of the generation.
aespa has so much to give and they keep on giving with each comeback. Many doubted this concept in a time where AI is everywhere, and despite it all the members make it clear their own stance on how they continue to make their music meaningful. They are truly making waves across the globe on what it means to be a girl group, so my only ask is to give these talented girls a chance at blowing your minds!
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