[Album Review] Two Rabbits (1st Mini Album) – MAMAMOO+

After a single and single album release, MAMAMOO+ have finally released their first mini-album, Two Rabbits, in August 2023. It features the title track dangdang. I used to review most (if not all) of MAMAMOO’s album releases, so I thought maybe that should also be extended out to MAMAMOO+ releases, as well. While admittedly MAMAMOO+ releases have not been as compelling as their parent group releases, I still know that I will have a good time with anything related to MAMAMOO. As such, I will return one day to review their single album releases from earlier in the year which featured the single GGBB. But for now, here is my review on Two Rabbits.

1. Intro: Two Rabbits (Intro: 두 마리 토끼) – It is a short intro to the mini-album, but the backing to Two Rabbits had good rhythm and a peaceful vibe, while Solar and Moonbyul did a really good job at complementing this with light playful and calming melodies in their vocals and delivery, respectively. It makes for a good start to the mini-album. (8/10)

2. dangdang (댕댕) (Title Track) – Click here for the full review for dangdang. (7.5/10)

3. I LIKE THIS – MAMAMOO+ keeps to the playful vibe in I LIKE THIS. We go down a jazzy and groovy direction with the instrumentation, which was quite engaging. They throw in some other elements into the mix to make it a fun sounding track, like addition of brass during the second verse and some funky synth work in the instrumental break/bridge of the song. What I also like in I LIKE THIS are Solar and Moonbyul’s light and delicate vocals, which I found to be super enjoyable. Moonbyul does step away briefly to amp up her delivery for the rapping in the second verse, but this made sense to complement the change in momentum that the background to the rapping had. Just like the title, I really liked this. (10/10)

4. Starry Sea (별이 빛나는 바다) – The vocals are the memorable aspect of Starry Sea for me. Both Solar and Moonbyul do an amazing job, especially in the chorus, where it was so easy to get lost in both of their powerful and delicate deliveries. Elsewhere, the melodies are stunningly beautiful and I found myself swaying along to these melodies. Starry Sea is also nicely instrumented with acoustic guitars, a light touch of synth and some saxophones at the very end of the song. The beach sounds were also a nice addition. (9/10)

5. Save Me (지구에 혼자 남게 된다면) – A few weeks prior to the release of this mini-album, MAMAMOO+ also pre-released the single Save Me. I had intentions to review Save Me separately, but it slipped from my mind. Anyhow, Save Me is a R&B ballad with stunning vocals and amazing rapping. These are just common synonyms to use when referring to anything MAMAMOO related! I like the retro vibes that come from the instrumentation. I didn’t expect as much synth work in this song, but it helped made the song feel fuller and added some intricate detailing to the backing. Overall, a very pleasant and mild release. (8/10)