Artist : Rope And Ladder

Album : Rope And Ladder

Release Date : 07-02-2020

Added : 21-03-2020

‘Rope And Ladder’ is a rock opera composed by multi-instrumentalist and singer ‘Jay Clark’ and written by drummer ‘Ryan Dolen’. The theme tells an epic story loaded with intrigue of war, love and betrayal. Overall, those who liked the two last reviews of rock operas, 'Jesus Christ the Exorcist' from 'Neal Morse' and the project 'Magoria' de 'Mark Bogert' should also join this album which brings together different styles ranging from symphonic rock to powerful rock with a few forays into the progressive and with melodies that tame quite quickly which makes it a very accessible opus.

After the instrumental 'Overture' which sets the scene with a peaceful and atmospheric symphonic atmosphere, the short 'Lost Cause' gives us a first glimpse of this opera which begins calmly with the beautiful voice of 'Leila Tunnell' and which rises quickly enough in power for a first heady melody on a slow tempo, then, 'Moonlight / Sunrise' takes up almost the same theme on the same tempo with a new crescendo which leads to a part with a powerful bass embellished with harmonious piano arpeggios and a remarkable vocal performance by 'Jay Clark'. With 'Corruption / A Call To Arms', after a calm introduction, the tempo flies away after a minute for a catchy part with an original instrumental section then the style becomes heavier and more powerful at the end, then, 'The Conspiracy' continues on a marked rhythm with a new melody which immediately enters the head and 'The Invasion' continues in this style with a heavier side, just like the short 'Price' which further accentuates the energetic side with a much more aggressive song. The rest of the album continues to offer us beautiful melodies pleasant to listen to and remarkable alternations between serenity and power as in 'Betrayed / Condemned', the album ending beautifully with the longest title, 'Dust' which, while keeping accessible melodic lines adds a few forays into the progressive.

In summary, with this rock opera, the Americans of ‘Rope And Ladder’ offer us a beautiful album, pleasant to listen to and which should appeal to an audience who likes symphonic, melodic rock with a touch of progressive...

Line Up / Musicians

Jay Clark (Guitar, Bass, Piano, Vocal), Ryan Dolen (Drums) + Guests : Josh Knowles (Violin), Leila Tunnell (Vocal), Russ Robar (Trumpet), Christian Olsen (Organ), Thomas Cadrin (Guitar), Alex Lach, Chris Flaherty, Spencer Holland, Andy O'Laughlin, Nick Thompson, Thomas Cadrin, Ben Curran, Devin Mauch, Jay Clark et Ryan Dolen (Choirs)