[Song Review] aespa’s “Supernova”
SM Entertainment four-piece girl group aespa have set the tone for their May comeback with explosive single “Supernova”.
Image: SM Entertainment.
Ahead of the girl group’s release of their first full-length album entitled ‘Armageddon’, aespa have made their mark on K-pop with “Supernova”.
The track, named after the explosion of a very large star, was not as explosive as the title may suggest but still packed a punch.
With its rather sonically flat verses the song may prove a hit in the noraebang (Karaoke Room) as it’s relatively easy to sing, with limited high and strenuous notes. The song progresses with a monotony similar to that of a high-speed train racing down a track. Regardless, the masterful pacing of the chorus is enough to leave you wanting more.
The lyrics, though rather uncomplicated, are sonically satisfying especially in the aforementioned, well-paced, chorus: ‘Nova / Can't stop hyperstellar’.
The imagery of an explosive star throughout the song leaves listeners with an empowered feeling, with lyrics such as: ‘Won't dare touch it no one ever will / Right now it's inside me su-su-su-supernova’, suggesting that the reciter (in this case aespa) has something unique inside of them even if it’s difficult to see at first, much like the rare occurance of a supernova.
Sampling Afrika Bambaataa’s 1982 classic “Planet Rock”, this song is a perfect blend of EDM, electro-pop, and hip-hop further showcasing the group’s ability to defy the laws of musical genres.
It seems aespa are unafraid of shirking the idea of being forced into one musical avenue as they previously proved on their polarising track “Next Level”, with its quick sonic change ups and seemingly unrelated verses and chorus.
Produced by Dem Jointz, who has previously worked with the SM Entertainment boy group NCT, the song lends itself to the SM Universe and typical sound. It’s a very aespa song.
While aespa’s AI counterparts were absent from the music video which accompanies the track, it seems the members themselves have become AI. The video features AI-like ‘uncanny valley’ movements from the members and equally jarring camera angles and editing that marry satisfyingly with the beat of the song.
The group can also be seen repping the typical K-pop ‘kitsch’ style, within the video, with an element of the newly popularised Y2K with feathered outfits, holographic fabric, bright contact lenses, and heavy accessories.
While the music video is oftentimes busy and somewhat comical (member Winter spins rapidly and flies off from a communication tower and all of the members are whisked away by a flying piece of debris at the end of the video) it compliments the track perfectly.
With the release of “Supernova”, the girl group shows no signs of slowing down and threatens to explode on the music scene with their first full length album, set for release on May 13, 2024.