Male vocal group VROMANCE tested the water by featuring on Huh Gak’s fantastic ballad Already Winter earlier in the year, but now it’s time for their full debut. They’re also Mamamoo’s “little brother group.” As a result, they have a lot to live up to. So how does debut title track She (여자 사람 친구) stack up?

While I applaud the decision to release an uptempo track as their first single, I can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed by the result. She kicks off promisingly, with a strong groove and a clear indication that this is a group with excellent vocal blend. But as the song goes on, it becomes difficult to find anything to latch on to. It’s the kind of breezy soul throwback that feels surprisingly faceless. It’s pleasant throughout, but lacks a dynamic, memorable moment. Yes, they get to show off their voices in places, but the rigid structure dulls any attempt at aural fireworks.

The chorus recalls late 80’s blue-eyed soul — too inoffensive and adult contemporary to demand much investment from the listener. I do like the little falsetto climax that punctuates each chorus, but before you know it we’re back to the overly smooth verses. I crave for instrumentation that feels more alive and less canned. As a comparison, Shinee’s Married To The Music took a similar approach to this uptempo 80’s funk sound last summer, but was powered by a track that felt alive and ever-evolving. She takes no risks, and reaps little reward as a result.