DAY6 solo tasks have largely left me chilly, and that’s truly true for lots of bands. Except a member strikes out on their very own with a vastly totally different sound, solo work can usually really feel like a lesser model of what the complete band supplies. I haven’t written about a solo observe from keyboardist Wonpil since 2022, however behind my thoughts I nonetheless need him to launch one thing that takes full benefit of these keyboard expertise.
Highs And Lows (사랑병동) opens with some crunchy electronics, however largely appears like a DAY6 music. I occur to take pleasure in Wonpil’s vocal, so a DAY6 music with solely his voice is a superb proposition, and there are moments within the observe that give him transient probabilities to noodle round on the keys. Nevertheless, as a complete Highs And Lows sticks firmly inside a rock template. It’s huge, cathartic and bolstered by loads of guitar. To his credit score, this doesn’t really feel like some hole, cut-and-paste Think about Dragons riff. Regardless of missing his bandmates, it looks like a collaborative work with each aspect in place and turned as much as ’10’.
The anthemic refrain works fairly effectively. It’s not amongst DAY6’s most stirring works, however has a way of raise that provides loads of satisfaction. I’m extra intrigued by the keyboards that are available simply after this phase and need all the observe may vogue itself round this extra idiosyncratic manufacturing. But when we’re not going to get that, I’m happy sufficient to take pleasure in Highs And Lows‘ emotional heft and bombastic execution.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-