With extended melodic phrases that are filled with loud distorted crescendos and feeling, Rope are a band that tread the narrow line between post-punk and post-rock – a line decorated with piercing solos and seriously aggressive drum fills, all held together with gristly, sombre vocals.
Higher Violence is a record of pure theatre
Originally from south Wales, the band went through line-up transitions before arriving at this, their third record, all the while maintaining their forceful energy and passionate noise. On Higher Violence, the band’s sound can be likened to that of Elbow and Godspeed, if they had a hairy, middle-aged baby that likes playing gigs in some of Berlin’s dingy, smoke-filled venues.
Tracks such as ‘Nightingale’ and ‘Come Closer Now’ really stand out with their seriously epic qualities as they build and surge towards their inevitable climax. Higher Violence is a record of pure theatre, brimming with drama and tension and filled with high brutality.
A violent record for violent times. ★★★★★
- Rope. Higher Violence. Out July 7
