POLYPHIA / DOMI AND JD BECK - BOSTON, MA 10.25.2023

Oct 26

Photos and Words By Maria A. Mata

Progressive metal outfit Polyphia took over a sold out Roadrunner, as part of their Remember That You Will Die Tour. Joining them on the road are the experimental Domi and JD Beck, ensuring an evening of virtuosity and extravagance. Thousands of fans steadily lined up outside the Brighton venue, as expected: the show had been sold out for several weeks, and the excitement was palpable.

Opening act Domi and JD Beck would perform to an already packed room, and those who arrived early enough would be in for a treat. The young duo sat across from each other, with a large cherry blossom tree framing them both. Domi’s chair, a decorated toilet seat, gave the audience a glimpse into the band’s attitude and sense of humor. What many were not expecting was the complexity of the sounds, with an experimental blend of electronica and jazz, with mind-bending drum solos and enigmatic keyboards. Acutely self aware, the band would jokingly introduce their very first composition as their very worst, only to then blow the audience away with their virtuosity. Charming and talented, Domi and JD Beck took control of the crowd immediately, and left with plenty of new fans.

After a short intermission, the glowing stage setup started coming to life: the platforms started to light up amidst the fog, and the band slowly took their spots as the lights went down. The band kicked off with a bang, as “Loud” and “Reverie” ignited the crowd. The band barely moved from their carefully set up spots, but the energy was wildly electric; the twists and turns coming from Tim Henson and Scottie LePage’s axes set a vertiginous tone that was almost hypnotic. Despite the very brief spoken interactions with the crowd, there was a clear connection between the band and their fans. Polyphia successfully creates an entrancing atmosphere, leaving everyone watching almost out of breath after each song.

With a skillfully crafted blend of rock, hip hop, electronica and even some underlying latin tones, the foursome never ceases to impress; they would also incorporate vocal tracks, although they themselves are not singers. It’s this quality which makes their appeal the more impressive, injecting new life into the progressive metal genre and creating a new generation of guitar virtuosos. But the magic does not lie only in the dueling guitars: bassist Clay Gober and drummer Clay Aeschliman create an impenetrable rhythm section that hits you like a brick. The band’s live performance is balanced and larger than life, giving space for every instrument to shine. Polyphia would wrap up the set with fan favorite “G.O.A.T”, the perfect ending to a mind-blowing evening. Here’s to a new generation of guitar heroes!

DOMI AND JD BECK