Minneapolis-based outfit The Rope — Jesse Hagon (vocals), Mike Browning (guitar), Sam Richardson (bass) and Ben Rickel (drums) — formed back in 2009. Since their formation, the Minneapolis-based quartet have established a uniquely dark and driving sound that weaves elements of post-punk, dark wave and goth, and is inspired by the likes of The Chameleons, The Sisters of Mercy and others, through the release of several EPs and their full-length debut, 2019’s Lillian.
The members of The Rope have developed a reputation for a proudly DIY ethos and a dynamic live show, which has helped them build a loyal following both home and abroad.
The Rope’s highly-anticipated sophomore album, Nightbird is slated for an October 4, 2024 release. The album’s first single, album opening and album title track “Nightbird” is a Joy Division-meets-Duran Duran-like attention-grabber, anchored around an angular and propulsive bass line, relentlessly driving four-on-the-floor, bursts of shimmering and atmospheric synths, slashing guitars and rousingly anthemic hooks and choruses. Hagon’s plaintive, Peter Murphy-like delivery ethereally floats over the brooding arrangement.
While accurately capturing the spirit and sound of 80s post punk and goth, “Nightbird” not only possesses a swaggering, arena rock bit of bombast, it reveals a band that can craft remarkably catchy hook.
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