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Hello! This is the second in a two-part series where I talk about æspa and their Synk: Parallel Line tour. Last week, I gave a little introduction on æspa and why I like them, but now, it's time for the concert post! Before I get into it, I just want to thank UIC Radio. I had the opportunity to get a press pass and go to the concert because of my association with radio.
Photos
The press pass I received allowed me to get a ticket and photo pass, which meant I got to take professional photos at the beginning of the concert for the first three songs. This was my first foray into concert photography, so my pictures aren't the best. For one, I wish I had been able to get more photos with all four members (NingNing kept getting cut off). Despite being Winter biased, it was not my intention to get a bunch of pictures of her. Either way, here are some of my favorites. I'll sprinkle more throughout the post as well!
My Experience and Highlights
Aespa came to Chicago, the last stop for the North American leg of their Synk: Parallel Line tour, on February 15, 2025. At 8 p.m., I was in the United Center preparing to take photos. I felt out of place being there alongside official publications despite never having been good with a camera, but the experience was amazing nonetheless. As we went backstage, I could feel my heart pounding. It was one of the most surreal things I've ever experienced, from being in silence to suddenly being in the middle of a huge concert stadium surrounded by people. The lights dimmed, and we were ready to go! As Karina, Giselle, Winter, and NingNing entered, the crowd screamed their hearts out, and I couldn't help but get hyped up. Even though I knew the members of æspa are pretty, they are somehow more stunning in real life. My jaw was on the floor for a good half of the concert. The concert started with "Drama," which was insane to see live, especially the final chorus and ending. Next, æspa performed "Black Mamba," where I was able to catch better photos than during "Drama." I had to remind myself to take the pictures since I was so distracted by the performance. Finally, "Salty & Sweet" ended off the trio. I would have already called it an incredible experience if that was all... until I remembered I still had the rest of the concert to see!
I won't spoil the entire setlist, but I wanted to share some of my favorite moments from the concert. Between the time it took to get from the photo zone to my seat, I had missed "Supernova," which isn't the biggest deal in the world, but I just wish I could have seen the iconic dance break. "Better Things" means a lot to me, so I got kind of emotional seeing it performed, even though it isn't a sad song or anything. A big highlight for me was the solo performances. "Dopamine" was a blast, and the choreo had me blushing frfr. "Up" is probably my favorite of the solo songs, so it was awesome to see live. "Bored!" was cute as NingNing's vocals are adorable live. Finally, "Spark" was slay, and I loved the choreo moment where Winter walked down the stage. They all absolutely killed it.
The next half of the concert had some bangers. I loved seeing "Spicy" since it's one of my favorites from æspa, but it was then I really noticed, "Wow, they're singing live." I always remember the lip sync allegations and was really excited to hear their live vocals, which were louder than the backing track. They had so much energy and stamina, being able to keep their voices stable through the entirety of the concert. They absolutely killed the high notes, too. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the live singing, since it was my favorite aspect of the concert.
The last half of the concert was the best part. "Whiplash" was an absolute slay, and it was probably the hypest part of the concert. I was vibing and dancing the whole song. "Set the Tone" was also amazing, as I heavily associate it with the live performance, and I liked their choreography with the chairs, and of course, the ending choreo. I really loved the rock accompaniment for "Next Level," which a lot of the songs had, but it shined the most here for me. Finally, "Armageddon" was incredible and a great closer.
Closing Thoughts
I had such a great time at the Synk: Parallel Line tour. Aespa killed it with their live vocals and dancing. I remember a while ago, during the "Girls" era, when people would talk about how uncoordinated the members were. Now, people say how much they've improved, which was so visible at the concert in songs like "Pink Hoodie" and "Armageddon." I also just loved their energy and expressiveness. I could tell them and the dancers were having a blast. I can't even lie that I just stared in awe for most of the songs, especially during iconic moments like NingNing's opening lines for "Hold On Tight," Giselle's "Whiplash" final chorus, and my biases Winter and Karina like the entire time. The extra details of the concert were fun, too, like the in-between films and the pre-encore audience involvement. I loved the encore because everyone was just vibing and singing along. It felt bittersweet when they took their picture with the audience and said their goodbyes. It was a great experience since æspa's songs sounded even better live, the members and dancers were so talented, and I was surrounded by lots of people who enjoy the same music as me.
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