Three and a half years since their debut, aespa have finally released their first full length album. Armageddon is led by two title tracks, the first of which has already become a major hit. Supernova embraced the K-pop maximalism of years past, making many wonder if Armageddon would follow suit. Instead, this track pulls back for a mix of old-school hip-hop and NCT-style posturing.
I guess this is why the idea of “double title tracks” is beneficial. Supernova was tailored to my taste and showcased many of aespa’s best assets. From its very first teaser, I knew Armageddon would be a harder pill to swallow. I tend to prefer material with a robust melodic range. Armageddon‘s trudging beat and droning chorus don’t do much for me. The song is well-performed and produced. The stretched-out phrasing of its hooks offers an instant calling card, but it’s just not that pleasant to listen to.
Funny enough, within these melodic constraints Armageddon provides aespa a better vocal showcase than Supernova. The girls wring everything they can from the track, adding runs and flourishes to give it their own touch. This delivery elevates the material, but in the end there’s only so much you can do with the song’s lumbering chorus. A dramatic bridge briefly breaks from the melodic monotony, offering a peek at the galvanizing energy that could have buoyed a stronger centerpiece. In the end, it’s a matter of taste and preference, but so far Armageddon is my least favorite aespa title track.
Hooks
7
Production
8
Longevity
7
Bias
7
RATING
7.25