TRAVEL - EP

For K-pop girl group MAMAMOO, the concept of travel is equal parts shimmery vacation, revitalizing escapism, and a potent declaration of their international arrival—a tease of their global aims, and assurance that the quartet is well on their way to total ubiquity. Since debuting in 2014, MAMAMOO members Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa have been celebrated for their unrivaled vocal performance, evident in their latest EP. Their comeback’s title track is airy teen pop, not unlike a midtempo “California Gurls”-era Katy Perry. “AYA” is something else entirely, built around a fiery flute sample—and Solar’s sultry growl. From there, the girl group explores Y2K-era R&B-pop (think Christina Aguilera, or Mýa) interspersed with Billie Eilish-branded teen-goth staccato synth on “Chuck” and crackling analog-inspired production and breathy harmonizing on the asymmetrical “Diamond,” and concludes with the appropriately titled piano ballad and briefly a cappella “Good Night.” At just 17 minutes, the release is short—and yet it’s still long enough for a trip around the world. MAMAMOO’s world.