There’s a smoldering urgency in The Rope’s new single, “Nightbird,” that echoes like a secret whispered under a full moon. Hailing from the icy streets of Minneapolis since 2009, The Rope ties together the dissonant echoes of post-punk with the atmospheric intensity of darkwave and gothic rock. With nods to The Chameleons, The Cult, early U2, The Mission, and The Sisters of Mercy, the band has perfected a timeless sound, where every chord strikes like a shard of glass in the midnight rain.
“Nightbird,” the title track of their forthcoming album, set to release on October 4, is a fevered plunge into sensory overload. The lyrics ripple with a carnal urgency—each line a brushstroke on the canvas of desire. Lead singer Jesse Hagon’s baritone, a velvety wail cut from the same cloth as Peter Murphy or Ian Astbury, channels both swagger and melancholy. His voice guides listeners through a nightscape of lust and longing, where the euphoria of touch and scent is tempered by the inevitable chill of dawn. The nightbird is the spectral muse—haunting, elusive—hovering over the track like a dark omen.
Musically, “Nightbird” is a masterclass in gothic rock craftsmanship. The track’s soaring guitars twist and turn with a precise, almost ritualistic fervor while the drums, synths, and bass simmer above like a gathering storm. The chorus, pure and powerful, crescendos like a wave crashing against a rocky shore, drenched in distortion and drenched in desire.
The accompanying video, shot in sultry duochrome at Zhora Darling in Minneapolis and directed by Shawn Owens and Adam Olson, captures the essence of this noir romance. Here, Joy Ford embodies the nightbird herself—a bewitching presence whose crimson lips and knowing gaze dominate every frame. She moves with a slow, deliberate elegance, as if aware that she’s the magnetic force drawing you into the song’s dark embrace. As you watch, you can almost taste the stale smoke of the club, feel the sticky sweat on your skin, and hear the low thrum of blood pounding in your ears.
Watch the video for “Nightbird” below:
Listen to Nightbird below and pre-order the album here.
The Rope has always had a knack for creating music that tangles with the soul—like a dream that winds itself around your mind and refuses to loosen its grip. Their live shows, a blend of raw power and calculated chaos, have earned them a loyal following from Minneapolis to Berlin, and beyond. With a string of well-received EPs and their debut album, Lillian, behind them, “Nightbird” feels like a bold step forward—a new coil in their ever-tightening musical repertoire.
The Rope will be celebrating the release of Nightbird with a special Record Release Show on October 4, 2024, at Mortimer’s in Minneapolis. Joining them are special guests Cult Sequence and The Muatas. Doors open at 8:30 pm, and tickets are $15. Don’t miss your chance to see The Rope bring their dark, driving sound to life on stage. For more details, visit the event page here.
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