Band: King Ropes

Members:
Dave Hollier: Vocals, guitars, noise
Konrad Meissner: Drums.
Dylan Treleven: Bass, Guitars
Ben Roth: Guitars
Adam Wolcott Smith: Guitars, Keys

Album: Dirt

Production:
Dave Hollier: Production
Barry Conle: Engineering, Mixing, Outer Space Studios, Venice, CA
Konrad Meissner: Engineering
Don Piper: Mixing
Paul Gold: Salt Mastering, Brooklyn, NY

Being able to vulnerably express both the powerful elements with the raw nature of the human experience isn’t a trait that all people naturally possess. But on ‘Dirt,’ the new debut album from the Montana-based indie and garage rock band, King Ropes, lead singer and guitarist Dave Hollier enthrallingly leads his bandmates on a journey of timeless emotional struggles. Fueled by melodic hooks and powerful insight into the joys and complexities of love and self-discovery, ‘Dirt’ is a unique rock album that’s the true epitome of visionary emotions and ideas.

King Ropes’ stunning debut record opens with gripping alt-rock guitars and vocals in the songs ‘Dogleg Boy’ and ‘Lurch on Sister.’ The later entry is especially noteworthy for Hollier’s passionate and emotional vocals, as he sings about how the woman in his life doesn’t understand his pain, and therefore there’s nothing left to hold onto in the relationship.

‘Dirt’ then moves into the interesting track, ‘Long Lost Boy,’ which intriguingly includes a country-inspired guitar to highlight a relatable tale of anyone who’s purposefully looking for trouble when their lives don’t go according to plan. Hollier passionately sings about having no qualms about knocking anyone down who stands in his way of turning his life around, and getting what he wants.

‘Long Lost Boy’ then transitions into the gripping entry, ‘She Says / Come On,’ which is driven by an alluring drum beat. The entry also reflect on a person’s choices, and how their life hasn’t necessarily ended up the way they had hoped. But the song effortlessly highlights the desire people have to change their ways, and improve their situations.

The next track on ‘Dirt,’ which is titled ‘International Shortwave,’ ultimately proves to be the best one on the album. Hollier emotionally reflects on life through powerful vocals that honor a person close to him who has died. As he subsequently begins to reflect on his decisions, and whether he is truly happy with the way his own life has turned out, he takes comfort in knowing that salvation isn’t too far away. Aided by the riffs of a sentimental guitar, the singer notes that nothing is standing in the way of him changing his life.

King Ropes then showcases their distinct complexity once again on their next entry, ‘Shovel and a Pickaxe,’ which features a stunning guitar and drum dynamic. Hollier sings about how his demons are always influencing his life, but they won’t stop him from trying to improve his circumstances.

While the next song on ‘Dirt,’ which is titled ‘Mandolins and Gasoline,’ features a slower tempo than the band’s previous efforts on the record, the lyrics are a stunning reflection on the lasting effects of relationships. The track is a powerful ode to the captivating woman who leaves a lasting impression on the singer.

The next two entries on the rock band’s eclectic debut album, ‘Low Over Cheyenne’ and ‘She’s a Runner,’ feature mellow vocals and guitar, as well as soothing drum. The songs captivating note how people try to improve their lives through chasing well-meaning hopes and dreams. But eventually they realize they can’t change everything, even those aspects of life that hurt them more than they help.

‘Dirt’ then ends with the introspective track, ‘Rocks in Little Crevices,’ which includes the thought-provoking idea that relationships aren’t always last, just because a person wants them to carry on forever. Hollier’s heartfelt vocals note that the woman he loves tried to help him, but only ended up hurting him.

Possessing the ability to vulnerably express both the alluring elements with the gritty nature of the human experience isn’t a trait that all people naturally possess. But on ‘Dirt,’ the recently released first album from King Ropes, Hollier captivatingly leads his bandmates on a journey of timeless emotional struggles. Fueled by melodic hooks and powerful insight into the joys and complexities of love and self-discovery, ‘Dirt’ is a unique rock album that’s the true epitome of visionary emotions and ideas.

For more information on King Ropes, visit the band’s official website, as well its Bandcamp and Facebook pages. Listen to ‘Dirt’ in its entirety below.