Rope, Inc.: Songs Of Love & War

The tandem of Matt Menovcik and Kramer has created this rather abstract, ambient, and interesting collection of songs. Not quite electronica, but with enough textures to make songs such as “Believe” come to life rather quickly. Think of Moby circa “Porcelain”, or perhaps a more obscure band like No-Man, and you’ll get the idea. In fact, the music is so seamless one doesn’t even notice that “Promise” has begun, another charming, reflective tune. That doesn’t mean everything turns to gold here, with “Strange” being a strange affair resembling a b-side from Nine Inch Nails. However, Rope, Inc. comes back to life with the Depeche Mode-ish “Hold”. Another strong effort is the hushed duet during “Escape”, bringing to mind Dido fronting Portishead. The often raspy delivery might be an acquired taste for some, but “Circumstance” and the carnival-tinged “Stay” are well worth it. Even the eerie, haunting “Unknown”, with its Gregorian-like hues that evoke memories of Enigma, is a keeper.