Aespa Debuts in Japan with "Hot Mess" - MV Review (+ a super short "Sun and Moon" and "ZOOM ZOOM" review)

Ever since it was announced that Aespa would make their Japanese debut, I have been enthusiastically waiting, especially since "Supernova" (Review) and "Armageddon" (Review) were such a hit songs for me. 

Now, that day has arrived, and Aespa has made their Japanese debut with their single album "Hot Mess," which also contains two more songs, "Sun and Moon" and "ZOOM ZOOM" ("ZOOM ZOOM" was released on October 6, 2023 as the ending theme for the anime Beyblade X).

"Hot Mess"

"Hot Mess" is super catchy and super Aespa-core; I'm so glad that Aespa has never disappointed me.

The instrumental is fun and has an interesting structure; I love the layered vocals during the "I'm the one~" part, and I live for that ænergy mention in the lyrics -I'm the biggest fan of Aespa terminology-. I have to say that my favorite part of the song is after the bridge, especially the vocal effect in Winter's high note after she sings "Baby I'm on fire~" her voice goes perfectly with the instrumental at the start of the last chorus.

I love the MV; it complements the song super well, especially the Purikura-esque editing -which is so over the top, lol-. I love the comeback of animated!Aespa(? (Previously seen in the "Savage" MV). The Gundam and magic girl vibes this music video has are immaculate.

Style-wise, I found the "normal" outfits to be fun and "messy" (they work great with the song). The Gundam-inspired outfits remind me so much of my favorite Jpop girl group, Momoiro Clover Z, in the music video for Otome Sensou (which were also inspired by Gundam). My favorite outfits from this music video are the black and pink ones that appear towards the end during the dance scenes.

Rating

Song – 10/10

MV – 10/10

Choreography – 10/10

Style – 10/10

Overall Rating – 10/10

Song Credits

Release Date: July 3, 2024.

Length: 3 min 12 sec.

Lyrics by: H.Toyozaki and Kenzie.

Music by: Moonshine, Moa "Cazzi Opeia" Carlebecker, and Ellen Berg.

Arranged by: Kenzie and Moonshine.

MV Directed by: Lafic.

"Sun and Moon"

Length: 3:19.

Lyrics: Kanata Okajima, Jamil Kazmi, Soma Genda, and ERECA.

Music: Soma Genda, DIRTY ORANGE, and ERECA.

Arrangement: DIRTY ORANGE and Soma Genda.

The reason why I decided also to review the other two songs of the single is because I loved all three, especially this one. 

All three songs are in Japanese/English but, "Sun and Moon" is the song that relies more heavily on the Japanese lyrics. 

Although "Sun and Moon" is the most "chill" of the three songs, it is still a fun song. The pre-chorus and the chorus hit just the right spot for me. 

My favorite part is the chorus after the bridge at 2:43, with the faded-out vocals and the instrumental shining through; it sounds magnificent. 

Rating – 10/10

"ZOOM ZOOM"

Length: 3:12.

Lyrics: Jamesy Minimal, Yui Mugino, and Soma Genda.

Music: Soma Genda, DIRTY ORANGE, and Yui Mugino.

Arrangement: DIRTY ORANGE and Soma Genda.

I heard a part of this song when it was released originally (as an OST), but for some reason, I forgot about it. "ZOOM ZOOM" has so much ænergy, I can imagine being great in a concert. I think the pre-chorus of this song is 🔥. I Love it. 

Rating – 10/10

Final Thoughts

The concept and execution of Hot Mess is flawless, I can't guess how much the Japanese fans of Aespa are going to enjoy this single album, but I loved it, it is as if it was made for me.

Overall Hot Mess Rating – 10/10

Photo source: SM Ent.