Speaking four languages and intent on becoming fluent in several more, it's easy to see how The Ropes frontwoman Sharon Shy (yes, that is her real name) came to possess such a way with words. Her lyrics are filled with angst suitable for the bright-eyed teen and time-hardened soul alike. Armed with these words, her haunting yet soothing voice is set to a backdrop of noisy guitars and urgent basslines with the occasional moment of calm and tranquility that never seems to last long enough. Mirroring real life, the sound is a mixture of sugar and dirt.
The Ropes began in 2005 as a collaboration between vocalist Sharon Shy and producer/guitarist Toppy. Shy sang while Toppy recorded and played all instruments on the early demos that they released via the internet. The dizzying 2-piece live show sensurround consists of Toppy's unpredictable sprints between guitar, drums, and synthesizers, while Shy's ice queen vocals and pulsating bass dictate the room's atmosphere and provide the only real stability.
The Ropes have toured all over the US, gigs ranging from tiny book stores and dive bars to high-profile gigs like the Rockstar Energy Drink "Get a Life Tour" and Waidestock. They have shared the stage with acts such as The Bravery, Maximo Park, Spoon, and The Ataris. TR's last two records both charted in the CMJ Top 200. Their current EP "Cry to the Beat" produced by Nic Hard (The Bravery, The Church) is available now. Look for a new full-length album in 2008 as well as plenty of US and European dates.
