“No Dice”

Comprador

May 1, 2024

Review by: Ally Arens

Photo by Hannah Fielo

Comprador, the solo project of Philadelphia-based nonbinary multi-instrumentalist Charlie D’Ardenne, has just released their latest single “No Dice” from their forthcoming studio album “Please Stay Off the Statue”, due on May 16. The track is a follow-up to January’s “Good Vibrations”, and follows in its predecessor’s guitar-heavy footsteps while travelling in a different direction sonically.

Lyrically, “No Dice” chronicles somewhat of a doomed relationship, something many of us can likely relate to,  with D’Ardenne revealing the following about the song’s construction:

“The lyrics eventually became about noticing someone’s red flags before deciding to enter into a relationship with them regardless, & making an analogy between that and gambling…. recognizing the outcome will most likely be bad but betting on the chance that it isn’t.”

Sonically, the track opens up with a very groovy guitar riff that fades into the background during much of the track before resurfacing with a jazzy solo near the end of the song. “No Dice” comes off as very moody, and, at least to me, gives off some 2000s emo vibes. While previous single “Good Vibrations” gives off some 90s grunge-esque vibes (Nirvana and Alice in Chains both popped into my head on first listen), “No Dice” sounds better suited for the soundtrack of a 2000s teen movie – from the lyrical tension between the two “characters” to the instrumentals that are quite brooding without necessarily being dark and rageful. One of the more noteworthy and scathing lyrics comes at the end of the chorus, “It’s your last chance, if you want to dance, but not with me,” a line I can envision many a 2000s teenager mid-breakup would have set as a social media status. Despite its throwback influences, “No Dice” manages to sound fresh, and is a must-hear for any indie rock fans craving something new.

“No Dice” is streaming now, and “Please Stay Off the Statue” is available for pre-order now through Bandcamp.

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