MAMAMOO+ Merges Old with New in First EP TWO RABBITS

MAMAMOO+’s first EP TWO RABBITS has something for old and new fans alike. Released on August 3, TWO RABBITS includes the opener “Intro : Two Rabbits,” the title track “dangdang,” the b-sides “I LIKE THIS” and “Starry Sea,” and the pre-release “Save Me.” This second comeback of the Solar and Moonbyul duo brings the brightness associated with summer and MAMAMOO’s earlier concepts. 

The Pre-Release Single: “Save Me”

MAMAMOO+ released the R&B ballad “Save Me” on July 18, 2023. The Korean title of “Save Me” translates to “If I were left alone on Earth.” It expresses the solitude and heartbreak after leaving one’s lover. The speaker wants to be saved by this loneliness, wishing to meet their lover once again. Moonbyul and ONEWE’s Giuk penned the lyrics, and also composed the track with producer Jeon Dawoon. 

Though Solar and Moonbyul have tackled ballads through their MAMAMOO work, “Save Me” is new territory for the duo. The other ballad b-side of their discography, “LLL,” is dreamy, cute, and gentle — “Save Me” might feel gentle, but the lyrics and emotions are not. It appears as if MAMAMOO+ wants to save the more varied songs for their pre-releases. 

So far MAMAMOO+ has focused on fun and uplifting concepts, but their pre-releases show different sides. For example, “Chico Malo,” the pre-release on their ACT 1, SCENE 1 single, contrasted greatly with the title track “GGBB.” The former meshed traditional Korean elements, Latin influence, and hip-hop beats in a song whose lyrics carried a deep anger, while the latter was a retro-inspired love song. I enjoy this approach of keeping pre-releases and title tracks very different, but they do not sound cohesive during a full listen.  

The Title Track: “dangdang” 

It’s hard not to move along to “dangdang” when the guitar and piano first kick in. The term dangdang (댕댕) carries two meanings: onomatopoeia for clanging, and slang for daengdaengi (댕댕이), which means “puppy.” Both Solar and Moonbyul have proudly demonstrated their love for dogs in the past. Solar owns a dog named Yongkeey, and Moonbyul owns four dogs named Daebak, Haengwoon, Geongang, and Janggu. When interpreting the title alongside its lyrics, the song seems like a love letter to their beloved pets. 

The dangdang sound extends to a feeling of affection: this sound takes over their hearts and minds, unable to rest in the presence of someone. Any pet owner knows the feeling of their world being consumed by their four-legged best friends. The song could also be a more general love track, calling a “shy boy” (or “shy girl” in an alternate recorded version) over, but is there ever a love greater than one between a pet and their owner?  

If “dangdang” gives anyone a classic MAMAMOO feeling, it’s for good reason. Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa composed and wrote the track with RBW CEO and producer Kim Dohoon. According to Star News, MAMAMOO considered “dangdang” as a title track contender for their 2018 EP Yellow Flower. It’s always nice to see groups take an “old” song and rework it for the present. 

The sub-unit’s EP comes during a busy 2023 — which is also the year of the rabbit —  for MAMAMOO. MAMAMOO+ released ACT 1, SCENE 1 in March, MAMAMOO finished their world tour, MY CON, in June, and they starred in the tour’s film releasing worldwide this week. It’s easy to forget that the group is in their tenth year. Solar and Moonbyul coming back twice in a year as a sub-unit certainly feels like a plus.

Edited by Omani