MONSTER ROOKIES aespa are back with Savage—the group’s first mini-album since their November 2020 debut. SM Entertainment groups have always had strong world-building concepts such as EXO’s powers and the exoplanet and NCT’s dreamscapes, but aespa is undoubtedly more integrated into the wider SM Culture Universe (SMCU).

Their adventures in this metaverse extend to everything they produce; from narrative-driven music videos to interactive albums. But this worldview is most especially evident in their music.

Hits like “Black Mamba” and “Next Level” have cemented the four-piece as a cornerstone in this Universe and in the fourth generation of K-Pop. Savage further defines the SMCU lore and takes it to the next level in a show of spunky raps and high-powered melodies.

The first track in the mini album is an energetic rallying anthem titled “ænergy.” As the opening record, it sets a strong mood for the rest of the album. This opening track restates important concepts about their universe such as the members’ powers and their reliance on Naevis—an avatar that helps them navigate around Kwangya.

The titular track “Savage” takes us to the scene of the battle through energy-packed EDM beats which are a staple to aespa's discography. The pre-chorus builds a dynamic sequence that culminates in an addictive hook. “Don't forget this is Kwangya. I control your time and space, make it, break it,” Winter sings as they continue asserting their power over the metaverse opponent.

They continue to stake their dominance in “I'll Make You Cry,” a song that carries a heated techno beat that is almost taunting as it pushes the attack against their enemy. The track is marvelously busy with booming high notes, making it clear that aespa aren't ones to back down from a sonic challenge.

The latter half of the album balances out the savage mood of the first three tracks starting with the bright but equally high-powered melody of “YEPPI YEPPI.” This song strongly manifests aespa’s light-hearted but bold approach to one of many dominant themes in their metaverse—empowerment. In this world and in Kwangya, there's nothing quite like the power that one gets from self-love.

The same themes of cool confidence carry over to the next track, “ICONIC.” This song isn’t devoid of unique chord progressions like the other tracks, but what makes it a standout is the pockets of soft melodies in the pre-chorus and bridge. It's a magnetic display of the different themes that the group's concept can explore as they switch from dulcet harmonies to rap verses without a hitch.

“Lucid Dream” brings the album to a mellow close, serving a stark contrast from the previous tracks. As aespa’s first love song on their debut album, this track is marked by yearning melodies with traces of techno beats. One can’t help but enjoy the subtle references to the growing SMCU, even with a theme that isn't as directly connected with the battle against the Black Mamba. “It seems like I wandered at the border between consciousness and dream,” Winter croons in the first verse, delivering a subtle and bittersweet callback to the wilderness of Kwangya.

aespa’s first mini-album plays with many new and adventurous concepts that could be deemed risky for rookies to take on–but this is what sets them apart in the volatile K-Pop industry. Each member shines in this album as all four of them showcase their unique styles and ranges. The rap parts are energetic and each high note is a full rendition.

With all its merits, Savage still leaves much room for the group to explore and diversify the themes and genres they can tackle within their SMCU narrative. Only in their debut year, Kwangya’s daughters have many opportunities to mature and refine their sound. The love song “Lucid Dream,” was a solid start to exploring themes beyond the combat narrative their world-building is already rife with. ​It also helps that the members can wear different hats as vocalists or rappers, showing potential for a rich expansion of their universe.

Ultimately, their mission isn't just confined to the conflict in Kwangya. As established in what's already known of the SMCU, there are parallels between our world and theirs. The message they send resonates across dimensions: Each person holds a tremendous amount of power over their own destinies, and it is in harnessing this that we achieve evolution. aespa is throwing some strong punches—and they're making sure you're watching.