Review Summary: Haunting, melancholic, raw and completely beautiful. Each instrument is played with such great timing and virtuosity. 'Rope for No-Hopers' is one of the albums of the year.
Right from the opening chords of
“You’re Next” you know you're in for something special with
“Rope for No-Hopers.” You have always had that one album that means something more to you than most. That feeling you get, deep down, that the music was truly telling the story of your life. I have had experiences with such albums in the past, but nothing quite like
“Rope for No-Hopers.” It gives you that exact feeling - That there is no hope, and the rope is getting shorter. At times, it almost lures you into a false sense of security. Making you feel like you are ok, that everything is going to be ok. And in one beautiful fell swoop, it brings you back to that familiar place. It brings you back to reality. Where ever that is for you..
The album opener
“You’re Next” is the perfect beginning to this 48 minute melancholic dream. It is the longest song on the album, and in my opinion, the best. The warm opening of the guitar welcomes a haunting cello not even a minute into the song. The track really hits home at about the 5 minute mark with all instruments meeting each other and creating a great crescendo. Do not get complacent, though, for it lures you back, and proceeds with a subtle bass line and cello.
That exact vibe is apparent throughout the rest of the album. The addition of harsh, heartfelt vocals are scattered throughout the songs. On
“Horse Manifesto” and
“Dennis Many Times” they are most fitting, giving it an almost hardcore vibe. The track
“Dennis Many Times” is an interesting piece. Consisting of mostly violin and eerie dissonant guitars, it hits its strides at about the 5 and a half minute mark with crushing guitars and gut-wrenching black metal type vocals in the distance. The closing song
“Doldrums” is classic Post-Rock and a fitting ending. The violin plays a big role on this track, and as the song builds and releases, we are left with 3 minutes of that heartbreaking cello.
“The Pirate Ship Quintet” has created something truly special.
“Rope for No-Hopers” is haunting, melancholic, raw and completely beautiful. Each instrument is played with such great timing and virtuosity. It is one of those albums that will draw you in, pull on the heart strings, crush you and make you feel safe at the same time. It will be that album that means something more to you than most. I know it sure is for me.
