After a brief respite, NewJeans’ pre-debut resumes in earnest with another new song and video. Judging from its title alone, I imaged Hurt to be a slower, more emotional track. Me being me, I was hoping they’d flip expectations and deliver a huge dance banger. But in the end, Hurt feels like a minor interlude within the larger storyline of this ambitious debut.

The ladies of NewJeans can clearly sing, and the spotlight on their vocals has been much appreciated so far. I prefer my vocal spotlights to be as dynamic as possible, but NewJeans seem to have a hazier, moodier aesthetic in mind. Hurt fits right within that wheelhouse, offering a subdued energy. The clipped vocal percussion is a neat touch and gives the straightforward instrumental needed texture. I appreciate how relaxed NewJeans’ beats have been, opting for a consistent groove rather than the frenetic pick-and-mix approach favored by so many of their K-pop peers. Hurt’s production might be simple, but it weaves together several satisfying elements. The funky synth that emerges during the second verse is a clear winner.

But for me, there’s only so high a song of this style can fly. The group channels Hurt’s gentle sound very well, but the melody is too repetitive and one-note to fully draw me in. It feels like connective tissue between bigger moments on the album, which will probably be the case once we hear the entire EP. I’ll enjoy it for its texture, tone and groove, but I look forward to upcoming title track Cookie bringing more impact and innovation.