‘Dice’ is the third single from the London-based Armenian musician Robert Melkumyan and we’re so glad to be joining this talented songwriter at the start of what is sure to be a flourishing project. This track was originally written in 2023 during a blockade of the artist’s hometown Artsakh and later it was picked up again in the UK. This transition through space and time makes ‘Dice’ a rare time capsule, which Melkumyan enhances with a woozy, nostalgic atmosphere.

Over five minutes, Melkumyan infuses this indie-rock and bedroom-pop odyssey with themes of resilience, heartbreak and transformation. As well as being emotionally complex, ‘Dice’ is also technically intricate with over twenty chords employed in order to cover such a widespread journey, both sonic and narrative. It’s impressive when you consider that so many of our favourite songs have just three chords. You might think that so many chords wouldn’t make sense, but this artist’s skill forms them into a kinetic composition, one full of movement and restlessness, reflecting the process of exile.

While Robert Melkumyan is clearly the driving force behind ‘Dice’, credit should also be shared with his team. The live drums came courtesy of Romeer Gopee (recorded by Valerio Capella) and that stirring cello part was from Sevak Avanesyan (recorded while crashing at Melkumyan’s place).

What began as a one-man production in the midst of a conflict, ‘Dice’ has evolved into an impressive creative triumph.

You can also find ‘Dice’ in our Outsiders Club playlist.

Follow Robert Melkumyan:

Facebook

Instagram