New Sound for an Established Songwriter
Internet sensation Ron Pope made a name for himself penning the candy dipped indie-pop songs that have been worming their way into the ears of listeners more and more over the last few years. Despite this, the singer songwriter has always hinted at having more than just a good voice and the ability to write catchy songs ready for millions of hits on Youtube. Pope has some serious guitar chops that perhaps weren’t wasted, but were definitely under appreciated through his sugary indie pop days.
Pope rings in the new year with a new band that he says felt like “drafting an All-Star team of the best musicians [he’d] ever seen in New York,” long hair and a beard that makes him look like he might just evolve into Chris Stapleton, and an eponymous album that veers toward a new rootsy, country tinged sound. Ron Pope and the Nighthawks took to the road to record this album. They spent the recording process showcasing their new songs in a series of high energy shows that worked to build camaraderie throughout the band, and give the record a live energy.
The album blasts off with a rousing country rock sing-along titled “Southern Cross.” The track showcases Pope’s raspy, sort of bluesy, but altogether pleasing voice. The lyrics sing tribute of a rock steady woman who has served as a guiding compass along the winding road of life. Pope howls the chorus ending with “You were born from the dust / You were raised in the dirt.” Opposed to the whitewashed sound that pervades every corner of indie pop, these lines also serve as a metaphor for Ron Pope and the Nighthawks dusky, more homegrown sound.
This record ends on a high note. “Bad Intentions” is a troubadour track flavored with ringing horns and a barroom swaying chorus. The lyrics swing through the ever present dichotomy between bad intentions and a good heart. This song captures the essence of a dancing on tables, booze-soaked feeling of a last call.
Ron Pope and the Nighthawks heralds an exciting new sound for an established songwriter. This new sound is a step in the right direction, a breath of sweet georgia air. This supremely enjoyable record leaves the listener wishing that more of America’s indie population would roll around in the dirt a little bit.
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