Momoland are back! I repeat: Momoland are back! This is not a drill. After their disbandment in 2023, the group have proven that nothing is ever really dead in K-pop and have made a return with new single Rodeo. This is their first new music in nearly four years — a time period that represents a complete generational shift in K-pop. So while some corners of the internet will be charmed by their return, younger audiences might be scratching their heads and asking: “who?”
Momoland had a brief period of ubiquity in the late-2010s with fluffy, upbeat material like Bboom Bboom and BAAM. Yes, the group enjoys onomatopoeia. The word “rodeo” may not be a sound effect itself, but it’s treated as one here. The song is bright and exuberant, and while it’s far from the best example of this sound it’s so refreshing to hear unbridled joy bursting from a new girl group track. Rodeo feels tailor made for karaoke parties, slotting nicely alongside Korea’s popular trot hits.
Your enjoyment for Rodeo will hinge upon how you feel about high pitched vocal chants. Rather than let a sticky instrumental hook do the talking, the song’s “Row-day-oh! EE ryah! EE ryah! EE ryah!” becomes an incessant calling card. if you let down your guard and go with the flow, it’s easy to get lost in the silly charm. After all, Momoland is all about silly charm. Thankfully, Rodeo moves at such a brisk pace that it hardly gives you time to think critically. I’m sure the live stages will be a total blast.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.25 |
