In my opinion, and understanding of copyright law, it's okay to be similar or reminiscent of another work. That's not considered copying, nor does it mean it's a derivative work.
Another example: I've heard multiple songs where it is evident that it's a [knock-off] and designed to remind one of the original well-known musical score, such as Mission Impossible theme, James Bond, Star Wars, etc.
They copied the feel of the song, maybe some rhythms, instrumentation choices, or chord progressions, but not the actual score and not the exact same melody!
And that's perfectly okay. And it should be.
We shouldn't have to live in fear that we've created something original that sounds/looks too much like someone else's creation and will get sued.