aespa - Dirty Work Track Review

By Lee

July 16, 2025

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MYs were in eager anticipation for the ever-evolving aespa. "Supernova" reached the global stage peaking at #17 on Billboard Global 200. Despite newfound success, they pushed through with “Whiplash,” cementing aespa’s place on the charts for 31 weeks with a peak at #8. Their flavor of sound is big, confident — made to shake a stadium. Here's how “Dirty Work” stacks up.

A deep, distorted synth and raspy whispers from Karina set the tone for the underground world that they invite us to see. A clap cadence introduces Winter's ice cold, "I don't really care if you like me." Giselle enters with chic vocals and leads into the chorus with a maniacal, "Bite me!"

The chorus fits the theme of the song exceptionally well. The vocals are bottom-dwelling; the synths lie below and come up to breathe. The digital dribbles are dissonant and bring noise. It's dirty.

Verse two follows along with ideas of the mafia and fear from Giselle and being a "baddie" from Ningning. From here, everyone is waiting for an aespa breakdown—and the payoff is glamorous. It is alluring in style and emblematic of the track’s concept. It hits hard and freshens up the arrangement. By the end, the "work, work, work, work" feels worthwhile.

"Dirty Work" paints aespa as the villains this time around, similar to "Heathens" by Twenty One Pilots. Despite their warnings and threats, they are still irresistible. The track’s beat hits hard and the performance is cool and confident. You can't help but to bob your head. It was enjoyable end to end.