It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Highlight’s Gikwang. For me, his solo career has been a mixed bag with strong title tracks and so-so albums. 2019’s Don’t Close Your Eyes (D.C.Y.E) is a personal favorite, but new single Predator gives it a run for its money.
Gikwang has found his sweet spot in this groovy, Taemin-esque sound. Immediately upon hearing Predator, I was reminded of 2020’s Criminal. It has a similar synthwave vibe that favors atmosphere and driving percussion. This happens to be a sweet spot for me as well, making it hard to dislike any track that embraces this style.
While Predator doesn’t push itself to Criminal levels, its brisk energy and gorgeous synth backdrop makes it an easy standout. Gikwang’s airy vocals are the perfect match for this sound palette, and he keeps his performance cool and understated. This helps buoy Predator’s sense of consistent momentum. It does what it does well and doesn’t attempt to hit you over the head with unnecessary distractions. I anticipate this boding well for its longevity. Beyond the song itself, I’m eager to press “replay” just to hear those dreamlike synth tones again!
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 9 |
| Longevity | 9 |
| Bias | 9 |
| RATING | 8.75 |
Grade: B+
