After topping charts with hits like “Supernova,” aespa returns with another stellar collection of songs in Whiplash. Released on October 21, their fifth EP cycles through multiple genres such as techno, hip-hop, R&B, and pop rock. The title track “Whiplash” promises to have listeners dancing up a storm.

TRACKLIST: 

1. “Whiplash”

2. “Kill It”

3. “Flights, Not Feelings” 

4. “Pink Hoodie”

5. “Flowers” 

6. “Just Another Girl” 

The Title Track: “Whiplash”

aespa delivered a futuristic EDM track with “Whiplash.” Composed and written by Neil Ormandy, Shift K3Y, Marcus “MarcLo” Lomax, and Rosina “Soaky Siren” Russell, “Whiplash” takes from the techno genre. In Korean lyrics written by Leslie (XYXX), aespa commands all attention to them. Much like its predecessors “Armageddon” and “Supernova,” the song exudes confident tough girl energy.  

When “Whiplash” describes a “beat drop with a big flash,” its music video took that too literally. I found the video hard to watch the first time due to its multiple flashing cuts. If one can endure that, the music video is fairly simple. It features a white main set that allows aespa, decked out in sleek black outfits, to pop on screen. They strut like supermodels while they take on tasks like film directing and assembling machinery. 

The B-Sides: A Blast

For a return to classic aespa, look no further than “Kill It.” This hip-hop B-side sounds like it comes straight off aespa’s Savage or Girls; according to the group’s ‘Whiplash’ Countdown Live, “Kill It” originally competed for the title track spot in aespa’s Drama. The following track, “Flights, Not Feelings,” shifts tones by using R&B to deliver something very dreamy and magical. “Pink Hoodie” goes back to hip-hop, and, while also great, cuts off abruptly. I’d love to see it expanded a little more. 

“Flowers” dives back into R&B with another soft spoken track by aespa. The group genuinely deserves their flowers with this EP, which shows a great variety. Whiplash ends with the pop rock song “Just Another Girl,” which contains singing laced with bitterness. This EP is an impressive follow up to Armageddon. With “Supernova” still remaining in the Circle Weekly Digital Chart’s top five, one can only wonder if “Whiplash” will join it. 

The Verdict: This is aespa’s Year

aespa has been having a great year on the charts. With all its accolades, “Supernova” is undoubtedly one of the top title tracks of the year. Just days ago, Karina gained her first music show win without an official solo debut: she won first on Show! Music Core with “UP!,” a solo track released during aespa’s current world tour SYNK: Parallel Line. Having another amazing release like “Whiplash” is the icing on the cake. 

I only take issue with the “Whiplash” music video, whose reception I understand depends on personal experiences. Perhaps SM Entertainment could have considered a little warning beforehand, especially for anyone with sensory issues. This is a shame because I enjoy the futuristic aesthetic that aespa goes for. While “Whiplash” is far from the worst offender of flashing cuts in music videos, I still found their inclusion unnecessary. 

“Whiplash” TITLE TRACK SCORE: 10/10

“Whiplash” MUSIC VIDEO SCORE: 6/10 

Whiplash EP SCORE: 10/10 

Overall Score: 8.7/10

Edited by Cara Musashi