Album Review: D I C K L O V E R by Dick Lover – A Noise Odyssey from 2015
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when abstract symbols collide with relentless noise, D I C K L O V E R by Dick Lover is here to answer that question. Released in 2015 under the Russian label Vaporstan, this album plunges listeners into a chaotic soundscape that defies both convention and comfort. With its genre listed as “Non-Music” and style firmly rooted in Noise, it’s not exactly something you’d play at a dinner party—unless your guests are really into auditory anarchy.
The tracklist reads like a cryptic codebook: Ѯ∆ΘѰϞ, Ѧ₮ϴσϰ, ϶Λ₣Ȼω, ψ§¥ßΣ, ΩƱΩƱ. Yeah, good luck pronouncing any of those. But let’s focus on two standout tracks that left their mark—or rather, scar—on my eardrums.
First up is Ѯ∆ΘѰϞ, which hits you like a malfunctioning fax machine crossed with distorted radio static. It’s abrasive, sure, but there’s something oddly mesmerizing about how the layers build and collapse unpredictably. You’re never quite sure if it’s trying to communicate a message or just break your brain. Either way, it sticks with you long after the last screech fades out.
Then there’s ψ§¥ßΣ, a piece that feels like being trapped inside a glitchy video game during a power outage. The sharp metallic clangs and electronic buzzes create an unsettling atmosphere, almost industrial yet entirely alien. This one’s memorable because it doesn’t just assault your senses—it forces you to confront the weirdness head-on. By the end, you might find yourself questioning whether you hated it or secretly loved it.
What makes D I C K L O V E R intriguing isn’t its accessibility (spoiler: it has none) but its sheer audacity. There’s no attempt to cater to mainstream tastes or even provide a clear narrative. Instead, it challenges listeners to decode its sonic chaos—or just embrace the absurdity. In a world obsessed with polished production, this album dares to be raw, messy, and unapologetically strange.
In hindsight, it’s hard not to admire the boldness of Dick Lover and Vaporstan for putting this project out into the universe. Is it enjoyable? Not traditionally, no. But does it make you think? Absolutely. And maybe that’s the point. As I closed the final track, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought: if music can evoke emotion, then D I C K L O V E R evokes confusion wrapped in curiosity, sprinkled with mild existential dread.
Final verdict: If you’re looking for background tunes while studying, keep walking. But if you want an experience that feels like your headphones are haunted, give this a shot. Just don’t blame me if your cat runs away halfway through.