Someone needs to calculate just how many times the schoolboy/schoolgirl concept has been used in J-pop. That would be impossible, of course, as it’s become one of the industry’s leading tropes. It still works, partly because the idols themselves are young enough to sell it but mostly because it’s an experience the vast majority of their listeners have had or are currently part of. These concepts usually point towards a light, melodic pop sound so I can’t be too mad even if the visuals are derivative.

HYBE’s newest Japanese boy group aoen debuted this spring with a fun but generic dance track. New single Seishun Incredibles follows the sentimental soft rock sound the agency often reserves for Japanese releases and fits well within industry expectations. Given its familiarity, the track relies strongly on the strength of its performance and melodic construction. Both are solid, though not particularly exciting. There are moments of melodic lift, dragged down by connective tissue that feels cut and paste from many other similar songs.

I appreciate the burst of percussion in verse two, which lends Seishun Incredibles much-needed weight. Apart from that, the production mostly stays out of the way, tracing familiar lines as the song dutifully hits all its marks. I don’t know that I’ll remember much of this in a few weeks’ time, but the track is enjoyable while it’s playing. In the next year or so, I’m hoping to see aoen develop a sound more unique to them.

Grade: B-