The story of how DOMi Louna and JD Beck became the most promising young talents in current jazz is a novel within itself. After years of backing some of the biggest stars across multiple genres, they bring their technically proficient yet out-of-the-box stylings to the forefront on their debut album NOT TiGHT. The 15-song escapade combines the deep roots of jazz with a modern-day twist and while the list of features (Mac Demarco, Thundercat, and Herbie Hancock to name a few) is impressive, nothing can take away from the charisma and charm Louna and Beck bring to their compositions.
As you listen to the album you realize how important of a role tone plays on NOT TiGHT. While each track is composed in its own unique way, they keep the same muted style of playing through the 45-minute run time. Louna’s keys are what lullabies dream of, they are sweet and gentle while Beck’s drumming provides the perfect pocket for other elements to play off of. Each musician gets their turn in the spotlight though, the lead single from the project “SMiLE” allows for the softness of Louna’s playing to take charge with a melody that flows like a lazy river. Beck’s drumming becomes the ring leader on a song like “WOAH” as the rapid-fire snares fill the room as Beck pulls from multiple decades of jazz in just one song.
While they play like veterans on their respective instruments, Beck and Louna youthful charm comes front and center when vocals are introduced into their mix. Songs like “BOWLiNG” with Thundercat and “TWO SHRiMPS” with indie legend Mac Demarco have their respective guests crooning about juvenile and silly topics, the most jovial lyrics make an appearance when the duo takes on vocal duty themselves. “U DON’T HAVE TO ROB ME” is the sole occasion on the album where Beck and Louna are harmonizing all by themselves. While the lyrics can come across as goofy or even unnecessary on “U DON’T HAVE TO ROB ME”, it’s the wit and personality that makes this record a highlight on NOT TiGHT.
While the features are enticing, Louna and Beck refuse to be outshined on their debut. Whether it’s Herbie Hancock’s masterful solo at the end of “MOON” or Anderson .Paak’s smooth rapping on “TAKE A CHANCE”, you never forget whose album this is. Features can bog down an album, especially when the guest are already so established, but NOT TiGHT does a very impressive job of making sure the star duo never go unnoticed.
The stars aligned perfectly for DOMi and JD Beck on their debut album. Starting from the announcement of the album to release day every stride was hit without hesitation, making NOT TiGHT a fun, invigorating ride through the carefree minds of DOMi Louna and JD Beck.
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