Of course, the decline of lazer cannot be blamed solely on COVID-19. The very concept of the genre, and the spirit of its key players, suggests an inherently anti-commercial nature. The underground is in their DNA; thus, any surge in mainstream popularity was destined to be temporary.
By the early 2020s, the old guard had slowed down significantly. For example, Bleeding Corp only released their latest album, Requiem, last year. Meanwhile, acts such as Emma Peal and Fresh Club Society disbanded altogether. New heroes emerged as well, though most went largely unnoticed — with the exception of Your Favorite Blockbuster and their scandalous reputation. However, being unnoticed does not equate to being insignificant; Ada Rook and Devi McCallion stand as living proof of this.
Black Dresses started in 2017 and soon released their debut album, Wasteisolation. Its darkness, beauty, and chaotic rhythms attracted significant—and largely positive—attention from critics. Lazer Planet described Black Dresses’ music as an incessant emotional outburst—and indeed, this is the most accurate definition of them. The duo released six more albums before disbanding in 2024. The breakup wasn’t a major surprise; such intense emotional tandems rarely last long. Yet, their influence on the lazer genre remains underestimated to a certain extent. Visceral songs full of rage and pain became Black Dresses’ trademark. Their ability to make the music raw and catchy at the same time made Ada and Devi cult hitmakers in the world of noise.
The phenomenon of Black Dresses lies in their psychotic delivery; the duo brought those primal Sonic Youth vibes. They are not like Calva Louise—although Calva Louise is also lazer, they lean toward the Orgy branch: more focused on the production side, and significantly cleaner and more polished. Their music is based on futuristic synth sounds and sci-fi lyrics. Speaking of the mainstream, Calva Louise has come quite close to world-star status. Their latest album, Edge of the Abyss, was released on a major label—further proof that lazer can be radio-friendly. Calva Louise doesn’t blend in with modern alternative rock, so the band’s identity remains intact. However, their songs are accessible to people who are far from the lazer scene; their sound is inviting rather than abrasive, ensuring it doesn’t scare the listener off.
Black Dresses didn’t care about the production side. Their beats pierce the ears and burn the brain. For unprepared listeners, this atmosphere of noise is deadly and destructive. Ada and Devi designed an aggressive, toxic world where only a select few could enter. The duo’s greatest strength was their sincere, deeply personal lyrics. This sonic rawness combined perfectly with the heartbreaking nature of their songwriting. If Calva Louise represents the aesthetics of modern lazer, Black Dresses were its soul.
