Aimers debuted late last year with Fight Inside – a song that seemed to win them many fans. I came around to some of its charms (especially the SHINee-esque ones) through multiple listens, but the group hasn’t yet convinced me of their unique place in K-pop. Their all-important first comeback is still ahead of us, but until then they’ve released “special single” Fireworks.

Rookies should take advantage of slow months to get their names and faces in front of fans eager for any new music. While Fireworks may get buried under the weight of bigger-name acts releasing on the same day, it should at least enjoy plenty of space on music shows during this dry January. Unfortunately, the song doesn’t stick out in the way I wish it would. It’s a serviceable mid-tempo with an EDM edge, but everything about it feels generic. The melodies are largely forgettable and the constant build and drop of the instrumental is muddier than it could be. The song reaches for anthemic, but often feels dirge-like.

I think this all comes down to the production. There’s a decent song buried inside Fireworks, and with some polish it could really shine. Yet, the instrumental is so leaden that all of its elements blend together in one muddy gray color. This includes the vocals, which are given a mushy arrangement that doesn’t do the individual voices any favors. If we rate Fireworks against the terminally-bland K-pop sub-genre of “fan song,” it’s pleasant enough. However, I hope Aimers can find their own color on their next single.

Grade: C-