Hard Rope & Silken Twine
The Incredible String Band · 1974
44 min · 6 tracks · folk music
A whimsical blend of folk and psychedelia, weaving intricate melodies with surreal storytelling and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Maker of Islands — This opening track introduces the album's lush soundscapes and lyrical depth, setting the tone for the eclectic journey that follows.
-
→
Ithkos — As the centerpiece of the album, this sprawling composition showcases the band's free-spirited improvisation and intricate musicianship, capturing their artistic ambition.
-
→
Cold February — This track combines melancholy lyrics with delicate instrumentation, highlighting the band's ability to convey emotion through their unique sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's intricate arrangements and eclectic sound create a unique listening experience, though it lacks commercial impact.
What we noticed
- The album features a 19-minute track, 'Ithkos', which showcases a complex arrangement that evolves through multiple sections.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with surreal imagery
- patient exploration of intricate melodies
- for reflective afternoon listening
- immersive journey through varied tempos
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, quick gratification
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1974, Hard Rope & Silken Twine marked The Incredible String Band's sixth studio album, following the critically acclaimed U. This album came during a transitional phase for the band as they began to explore more eclectic sounds while maintaining their signature blend of folk and psychedelic influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pentangle· Fairport Convention· Nick Drake
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Maker of Islands 6:04
- 2 Cold February 5:49
- 3 Glancing Love 4:03
- 4 Dreams of No Return 5:23
- 5 Dumb Kate 3:24
- 6 Ithkos 19:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.