Album Review: Miscellaneous Callers by VD Radio
If you’re into sound art and experimental audio, Miscellaneous Callers by VD Radio is a wild ride that’ll leave your ears buzzing. Released under Widemouth Tapes, this album doesn’t just sit in the “Non-Music” genre—it redefines it. It’s less about catchy hooks or sing-along lyrics and more about creating an experience. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The titular track, Miscellaneous Callers, grabs your attention right away. Imagine eavesdropping on fragmented phone calls from another dimension—staticky whispers, distorted voices, and eerie pauses. There’s something unsettling yet oddly captivating about it. You can almost picture the callers on the other end, their stories half-told, like ghosts stuck between worlds. The way VD Radio layers these sounds feels deliberate but not overdone, leaving just enough room for your imagination to fill in the blanks.
Another standout is Static Reverie (or at least I think that’s what it’s called—track titles are kinda loose here). This one feels like being lost in a dream where old-school answering machine messages play on loop. A robotic voice repeats phrases that sound mundane at first, but after a while, they start to feel profound. Maybe it’s because we’ve all been guilty of letting tech mediate our emotions. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it. Either way, it’s haunting in the best possible way.
What stands out about Miscellaneous Callers isn’t just its creativity; it’s how raw and unpolished it feels. In a world obsessed with pristine production, this album embraces imperfection. Some parts might even make you go, “Wait, is this supposed to be music?” But that’s the point—it challenges you to rethink what music can be.
Here’s the thing: listening to this album isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s downright uncomfortable. But isn’t that what great art does? It pushes boundaries, makes you squirm, and stays with you long after it’s over.
Final thought: If Miscellaneous Callers were a person, it’d probably be the weird neighbor who collects broken electronics and talks to them like they’re alive. Annoying at first glance, sure, but secretly brilliant once you get to know ‘em.
