Korean vocal pop quartet Mamamoo returned Monday (July 16) with their brand new single, the lush “Egotistic.” As usual, Mamamoo delivers dynamic vocals in their latest song, which draws on the Latin pop trend that is increasingly showing up in K-pop.
The song fronts their newly-released EP Red Moon, the fourth EP to be inspired by a color; it follows 2015’s Pink Funky, 2017’s Purple, and March’s Yellow Flower.
After kicking off with scratchy hums and crisp strings, a snapping beat and tinny, reggaeton-esque percussion are added in the lead-up to the chorus as the four women deliver soulful verses. The hook explodes with chanting refrains and electric guitar riffs before falling to a dramatic drop with the deadpan post-chorus verse. Dramatic throughout, “Egotistic” reflects the album’s red-inspired theme of anger and passion.
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The music video for “Egotistic” features each of the members — Hwasa, Solar, Moonbyul, and Wheein — on her own delivering verses as she dances along to the song’s melody amid vibrant scenery, with some of the members incorporating flamenco into their performances. The quartet come together to deliver the song’s charismatic choreography, with shoulder-shrugging and hair-throwing moves emphasizing the song’s message. Guitars serve as the stand in for their scorned, egotistical lover and the video culminates with the metaphor being set alight. A jaguar also makes an appearance.
Red Moon was released Monday along with the single, and features a total of six songs, including album closer “Selfish” featuring Red Velvet’s Seulgi. All four members are credited with co-writing album tracks or lyrics.
After getting their start in 2014, Mamamoo has become one of South Korea’s most prominent girl groups, known for their bright, funky songs as well as their expressive vocals.
Watch the music video for “Egotistic” here: