Xdinary Heroes debuted late last year with an interesting concept but a disappointing song. So far, their music feels like a punkier version of DAY6’s idol rock, which makes sense since they hail from JYP Entertainment. Come to think of it, their big-budget music videos also have strong “fight the system” Stray Kids energy. The agency has clearly learned what works for them when it comes to male idol groups. Now, we just need to elevate the songs.

New single Test Me is an improvement over Happy Death Day (most things would be), but it still struggles to convince me of Xdinary Heroes’ greatness. The song is brash and boisterous, for sure. The guys don’t lack energy, and the bratty “test me! test me!” hook at its centerpiece spotlights their youthful contentiousness. These are all important aspects in pop-punk, but as with any genre the songs live or die on how eagerly listeners press ‘replay.’ Test Me works well enough as a vehicle for Xdinary Heroes’ rambunctious spirit. But, I’m not all that compelled to listen again.

The thing is, it’s hard to deliver this style of music within the context of an industry as restrictive and fabricated as K-pop. I don’t use those adjectives in a negative way. I’m all for manufactured pop music, as long as it’s good. But, this approach makes songs like Test Me lose some of their edge. Luckily, the band is in charge of composition and production, making their music feel a little more idiosyncratic. Test Me hints at greater things to come. Parts of the chorus are quite catchy and there’s a welcome continuity to the song’s turbo-charged energy. I eagerly await their full-on My Chemical Romance moment.