In an album melodically separate from past albums, beat magician Rjd2 moves his sound towards the center in his third LP, The Third Hand. But fans of this genius should not be deterred. An artist exploring a new genre is always a cause for celebration! (Especially when the album was entirely performed and produced by the man himself.)

Rjd2 gives us his funky synths on Have Mercy . The chaotic track has sprinkles of eighties pop all over it. The song is illuminated by short guitar riffs and floating vocals. This album happens to be dependent on nice guitar riffs, which is never a bad thing. Considering his guitar-heavy single, "Ghostwriter" from Deadringer, fans often encourage this man to pick up the guitar.

This approach works perfectly on Reality , which is an alternative ballad with a mildly distorted guitar behind the melody. Rjd2 commands the microphone shouting "Reality," in the beginning of the song followed by the calm announcement, "Don't let me change. Don't let me change."

On the track Get It , Rjd2 returns to the quick and stylistic percussion that he has always given listeners. The fact that he gets down on the cowbells is also pleasant. Some of the same percussive exploration can be found in the beginning of Rules For Normal Living , which then shows us a trippy side of the xylophone.

The strongest track on the album is Just When . This disco-friendly track uses heavy synths along with piercing percussion. This song specifically showcases Rjd2's growth and his versatility with his production.

One can only wait impatiently for Rjd2's next album. Let's see where the beat seeker can take us next.

Additional Tracks:
Paris Can't Have You
Push Me Pull Me