MAMAMOO+ Makes Their First Comeback With ACT 1, SCENE 1

MAMAMOO+, the first sub-unit of MAMAMOO, debuted back in August 2022. The duo Solar and Moonbyul made their first comeback on March 29, with a pre-release single dropping a week prior on March 21. The single album ACT 1, SCENE 1 contains the new title track “GGBB,” pre-release “Chico malo,” and B-side “LLL.”

Upon first listening, “GGBB” can be a bit jarring. The song has a classic retro pop feel reminiscent of early MAMAMOO releases, except for one verse toward the end, where the entire composition flips shortly before returning to the original sound. That flip is a random hip-hop breakdown that lasts for about 20 seconds. The first time I listened to the song, I felt like I had whiplash at this point. It’s an interesting musical choice but a polarizing one, in my opinion, since you’ll either love it or hate it. 

In a way, the music video reminds me of old-school MAMAMOO in terms of composition, which is refreshing. It’s simple and without a complex storyline, but is fun in that it’s a one-take type of video style. The hip-hop breakdown in the video is put into more context as it contains a dance breakdown.

Pre-release single “Chico malo” goes in a different direction. The song is a hip-hop-influenced melody with Korean flair, which adds character to the overall composition. It’s almost as if “GGBB” is a representation of Solar and “Chico malo” is a representation of Moonbyul. Even with more of a hip-hop tone, Solar’s vocals have space to shine within the melody. The final chorus shifts the tone to a more dance-influenced beat to a climax toward the end of the track.

The traditional Korean influences are really showcased in the music video, as it opens up with what appears to be a play where Moonbyul is the referenced “bad guy” and Solar is the scorned woman. We see both members adorning traditional hanbok, though with some modern modifications. Solar performs a fan dance alongside a woman performing on a gayageum. Even if the video is simple, the cultural additions make it especially enjoyable. In my opinion, this track is much better and more impactful than “GGBB.”

Finally, the single B-side “LLL” is a soft, warm pop track where vocals take center stage. The song brings the feeling of a warm and comforting spring, perfect for the season. The more subdued melody stands in contrast to the other two tracks and mellows out the sound of the album. 

There’s a good amount of diversity in sound on this single album, so it contains a little bit of everything that can satisfy just about any listener. If you’re a fan of MAMAMOO as a quartet, you’ll love this sub-unit duo just as much.

Edited by Erin Rupprecht