The Ropers
Sunbathe
SLR 17 » released May 1992
1.
Lost
2.
Waiting
3.
Cool Self
The Ropers were DC-area lads that were fans of Lilys and Lorelei and pressed a demo into our collective hand at some gig or other. We were immediately won over by their powerful sound and swirling, folky melodies. The Byrds were clearly an influence, as brought up-to-date by UK bands like Ride and Pale Saints.
This three song ep was taken straight from that tape and surely stands as a classic of US shoegaze pop. The Ropers confidently blend sweet harmonies with brash Rickenbacker overload, never sacrificing the tune to mere noise. Essential.