aespa – Drama – The 4th Mini Album

Review

“Drama - The 4th Mini Album” finds aespa upping the ante on their signature metaverse madness, peppering sharp synths over explosive hip-hop swing on the title track "Drama." That lead single sprints with swag, spelled out in swaggering verses and those bold, self-assured hooks. Just when you think you’ve got them pegged to pure intensity, in slides "Better Things," cooling things down with its breezy, summertime groove, an easy-breezy banger that still keeps the girl power dialed up.

Seven tracks deep, this EP skips across genres with magnetic energy, from dazzling dance-pop to slick hip-hop, and even touches of acoustic pop for good measure. aespa flexes vocal muscle and narrative flair, weaving their SMCU universe into every corner of these tracks while signaling how much they've evolved since their debut days. And let’s talk packaging: Physical collectors get the treat of lush photo books, posters, and all manner of bonus goodies that make the experience pop off the shelf. For fans and newcomers alike, this mini album is a dynamic ride—equal parts visual spectacle and sonic evolution, with my headphones in full-throttle mode. - Tatiana