aespa Takes Down the House at the NJ Synk: Parallel Line Stop

Photos by Jean Libert

As the quartet of aespa waved and smiled when they “peaced out” of the Prudential Center stage in Newark, NJ on February 11, PCD (post-concert depression) immediately began to sink in. In a land where girl groups strive to stand out, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and NingNing, from their debut, focused on breaking beyond the boundaries of the sphere that bound them. Created by SM Entertainment with their avatars (naevis),the ladies have been intertwined in a story using virtual reality and the metaverse, and were fated always to be something great. Seeing their stunning visuals with their wildly popular hits combined with the energy from MY (their fandom), the show went from dramatic, to cute, to dramatic, and was overall just a great time. 

The four stunning women appeared through the smoke almost like fairytale apparitions from a classical ballet. Starting with their hit “Drama,” the contrast between their delicate visuals against the power of the song brought the opening sequence to life and everyone to their feet. As they sang, “I bring on the drama,” there was no question that they had. With their backup dancers in tow behind them in black, the dramatic stage came to life with their opener. Stripping the tulle of their outer skirts, they strutted down the extended stage to continue the attack on the senses with “Black Mamba.” A song that showed off their dramatic vocals with their sensual moves, they were ready to own the night. “Salty & Sweet” allowed each member to showcase themselves as the spotlight moved from one member to the next before bringing it all together again. 

When the ladies returned for the next stage, “Supernova,” they were dressed for business. The delicate outfits were gone and replaced with silver “armor” like tops that balanced against their colored dresses. It was clear that they had entered another sphere with this set as planets spiraled behind them on the backdrop screen. “Mine” would follow, and the armor would be stripped, so that their delicate sheaths would flow as they moved around the metal jungle gym built for them for the stage.

Finally it was time for them to introduce themselves. Giselle was adorable trying to pronounce “Parallel” then “Newark.” As their first time performing at the venue, it was sweet how instead of blurring Newark/New York, with cues from the audience, she was focused on getting it right. Toning it down, they sat on the steps set out for them for “Die Trying,” then moving up and onto chairs for “Flights, Not Feelings,” before walking around the stage. The catchy and upbeat “Better Things” had them on their feet and dancing again to the fun choreography that accompanies the song.

The solo stages that followed were one of the highlights of the night. Starting with Giselle’s “Dopamine,” the sexy moves that showed her comfort with the stage combined with her killer rap sequence had the venue cheering. The energy had upped a notch and this would not be seen just with Giselle’s stage, but for every stage that followed. Karina’s solo, “UP,” showcased her incredible vocals and her moves were popping which could be said for NingNing’s “Bored!” too. Both seemed finally free of whatever invisible restrictions they were feeling on their prior stages. Winter’s “Spark” was probably the most dramatic of the solos, lifting the crowd’s energy to a peak.

The show had barely hit the midpoint, yet there had been so much already. The next stage had, frankly, my favorite outfit of the night. Likely dressed for their song, “Pink Hoodie,” which would follow “Spicy,” the relaxed oversized hoodie with white tanks and jeans made them look downright adorable. Giselle with the pigtails! Not having the hoodies as merch was clearly a marketing oversight as everyone around me was coveting them. (SM take note)! Having the lyrics on the screens is something that I’ve always loved seeing as it helps those who haven’t memorized all of their discography to sing along. Maybe it was the comfortable outfits, but the energy seemed to have phased up as well as the ladies seemed to be not only performing, but having a blast. This energy would flow through “Hold On Tight,” the song from the Apple TV+ film Tetris. “Live My Life” had them moving around the stage giving fan service and connecting with those fortunate enough to be closer to the stage. The last song of this set was “We Go,” another OST, but this one from Pokémon Horizons: The Series. From a Pokémon lover, seeing clips on the monitors and having Giselle pointing out when to sing along, was another highlight of the night. At this point it wasn’t only the girls singing their heart’s out.

It was finally time for nævis to make an appearance, though it’s been clear on tour that nævis’s “Done” stage has been seen by attendees as more of a bathroom break or merch pit stop time. Though nævis has a valid spot in aespa’s lore, for the concert, the avatars seemed to take a back seat.

This break re-energized aespa as they were on fire for the last set of the night. Starting with “Whiplash,” the energy was insane. With lyrics prominently displayed this time on the screen, it was impossible not to move and to sing along as their sharp choreography matched by even sharper lyrics was a feast for the eyes. The ladies and crew in sexy black had the stage on fire. Moving upstage for “Set The Tone,” the dancers were on chairs with batons as they played off each other through the routine. “Next Level,” one of their most popular hits, would follow and the title fit as the whole venue was lit and filled with energy that befit the song. Yelling, “This is the last song guys,” the beginning beats of “Armageddon” filled the air. Befitting a finale, the dramatic performance finished off the night (well at least until the encore). 

Though the main part of the show was over, the showcasing of every dancer was something new and nice to see. The part that focused on the crowd was next and the level of dancers attending the show, whether child or adult, was amazing to watch. It was clear that MYs attending the show had come well prepared. 

Back in more comfortable gear for the encore, the walls opened to “aenergy.” Mics in hand the ladies belted out the notes while playing off each other. Getting everyone to sing along again, the lyrics for “Just Another Girl” popped up prominently on the stage again. Taking time to say their last words of the night, they thanked everyone and mentioned how much they want to return. Ending with their English single, “Life’s Too Short (English Version),” they engaged with those around them as much as they could. With confetti flying the night had come to an end. There would be the traditional group photo, the not so traditional adorable video close ups, and the play on words as they tried to get another catch phrase to end the night. The screams of “Peace Out” were heard as “Pizza” by the ladies at first, though they quickly adapted. With a “Peace Out Newark” the night was over.

The tour ended stateside in Chicago on February 15, but continues through its European leg next month as it moves through London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Madrid. Catch the ladies if they come your way as they truly are on the “next level.”