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).
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