With an all-encompassing musical identity, fusionist producer Rjd2 presents “More Than Isn’t,” bringing together a myriad of past inspirations, experiments and ideas. Rather than constructing a new style as a category shifter, he instead unifies his musical undertakings in a successful 16-track culmination, reflecting the neo-soul, hip-hop infused sounds of a beat smith who is as comfortable transitioning between moods as he is genres.

The album is anchored by three tracks: “Suite 1,” “Suite 2,” and “Suite 3.” Each movement delves into the creation and ensuing demolition of tunes, building tension and then lulling listeners back to a melodic reverie. The first half of the album imparts chillout tempos in the introspective and soulful “Temperamental” and 80’s disco pop-leaning “Behold, Numbers!”; while “Her Majesty’s Socialist Request” tears through any notion of concord with heady rock riffs, Middle Eastern vibes and 8-bit chiptunes. The latter half brings about Motown-esque compositions in “See you Leave,” “Got There, Sugar,” and “Love and Let Go.” Also prominent is a sense of nostalgia (perhaps due to a new child in tow) as seen in soft-rock permeated “Milk Tooth” and “Dirty Hands.”

Rjd2’s stylistic roots ring true in a mélange of contemporary hip-hop, retro form, and socially conscious lyrics. His arrangements seemingly are not so much for easy listening per say, but rather to tell a story—a progressive narrative of notes that carry listeners through forgiveness, longing, rage, and hope, cautiously hinting at change and then running full speed towards something new (RJ’s Electrical Connections).

rjd2 More Is Than Isn't