DOMi & JD BECK's second album, 'WHO ASKED?', is a fascinating exploration of jazz fusion with a modern twist. While their debut, 'NOT TiGHT', showcased their technical prowess and star-studded collaborations, 'WHO ASKED?' feels like a more personal and introspective journey. The album's title itself is intriguing, inviting listeners to question the very essence of their music. Personally, I find this album to be a refreshing change of pace, offering a unique blend of virtuosity and melody that sets them apart from the crowd.
One of the standout aspects of 'WHO ASKED?' is its ability to capture a wide range of emotions and moods. The opening track, 'EXiT', sets the tone with its lively drum breaks and breezy keys, evoking the feeling of a hot summer's day. The combination of mathy playing and youthful melodies creates a sense of energy and excitement. However, as the album progresses, I found myself questioning the duo's ability to maintain this dynamic throughout. While the album is only an hour long, the constant maximalist playing and densely harmonized vocals start to feel repetitive after a while.
The album's strength lies in its ability to showcase the duo's technical skills while also exploring more melodic and atmospheric territories. The track 'CONCERTINO (FOR PiANO, DRUMS, & ORCHESTRA)' is a prime example of this, where the frenzied interplay is cushioned by strings and woodwinds, creating a sense of depth and texture. However, I found myself longing for more variety in the album's structure, as the constant back-and-forth between maximalist playing and melodic passages became tiresome.
One thing that immediately stands out is the influence of hip-hop and video-game music on the album. The track 'LOVELY MASQUERADE' features a menacing synth bass and thumping kicks, offering a welcome tonal shift. However, I felt that the album could have benefited from more of these unexpected twists and turns, as the constant repetition of similar themes started to feel predictable.
In my opinion, 'WHO ASKED?' is a solid album that showcases the duo's technical prowess and musical versatility. However, I feel that it could have benefited from a more balanced approach, where the maximalist playing and melodic passages were interwoven in a more dynamic way. The album's title invites listeners to question the very essence of their music, and I believe that the duo could have explored this theme in a more nuanced way. Overall, I found the album to be a refreshing change of pace, but I would have liked to see more variety and unexpected twists and turns throughout.
