DAY6 solo projects have largely left me cold, and that’s actually true for a lot of bands. Unless a member strikes out on their own with a vastly different sound, solo work can often feel like a lesser version of what the full band provides. I haven’t written about a solo track from keyboardist Wonpil since 2022, but in the back of my mind I still want him to release something that takes full advantage of those keyboard skills.

Highs And Lows (사랑병동) opens with some crunchy electronics, but mostly sounds like a DAY6 song. I happen to enjoy Wonpil’s vocal, so a DAY6 song with only his voice is a fine proposition, and there are moments in the track that give him brief chances to noodle around on the keys. However, as a whole Highs And Lows sticks firmly within a rock template. It’s big, cathartic and bolstered by plenty of guitar. To his credit, this doesn’t feel like some hollow, cut-and-paste Imagine Dragons riff. Despite lacking his bandmates, it feels like a collaborative work with every element in place and turned up to ’10’.

The anthemic chorus works pretty well. It’s not among DAY6’s most stirring works, but has a sense of lift that offers plenty of satisfaction. I’m more intrigued by the keyboards that come in just after this segment and wish the entire track could fashion itself around this more idiosyncratic production. But if we’re not going to get that, I’m pleased enough to enjoy Highs And Lows‘ emotional heft and bombastic execution.

Grade: B-