‘Flies the Coop III’ by Hole Dweller

‘Flies the Coop III’ by Hole Dweller

Hole Dweller describes their music as “musical adventures for the Hobbit-hearted.” I can’t honestly think of a more accurate description for the dungeon synth project by Tim Rowland. Based out of Athens, Georgia, Rowland crafts an ongoing narrative for the Hobbit Jamwine, who decided to leave his home in Frogmorton with only a walking stick and a long pipe. 2024’s Flies the Coop III continues Jamwine’s sonic story, although in a new manner. 

The more lo-fi, fuzzy synth work Hole Dweller has crafted over the years is on full display right away with “Back to Archer Row.” This opener makes Flies the Coop III begin much more abruptly than many other dungeon synth albums, capturing a sense of adventure and drama. However, as the song progresses, it mellows into the meditative “Light Fades On Gentle Hills” and the rest of the album. Overall, Flies the Coop III captures a cozier and more peaceful atmosphere than previous installments that featured dramatic moments of tension. Similar to some of Hole Dweller’s other albums, such as Returns to Roost, we might be experiencing a moment of relaxation with Jamwine amidst his adventures. Tracks like “Millstream Quietude” and “The Leaves Whisper of Bygone Times” certainly evoke this feeling through their titles alone. 

Flies the Coop III captures a wonderful rhythmic plucking through its lo-fi synth. The low-fidelity crackle makes a wonderful mellow tone for the album’s relaxing theme. The song “Footpaths” perhaps captures this best. However, the last few tracks on the album create a slight tonal shift during their runtime. “Love in the Wind” and “Golden Hours Gone” blend the earlier tone into a more wistful atmosphere. Perhaps Jamwine is embarking on a journey that features a more emotional and internal adventure by finding love, or maybe it’s the love of adventure itself returning to him during his time of rest. Rowland hasn’t provided as much context on his intention behind this album as the first two Flies the Coop installments, so we are left to speculate. 

Either way, “Distant Bells” beautifully closes the album with a twinkling, gripping barrage of synth. Low rumbles hum beneath ethereal plucks to create the sensation that something is about to launch or begin. It feels as if you have looked into the night sky with new eyes or have a new light on a new path. Flies the Coop III’s closer seems to suggest that Jamwine’s adventures are not yet complete. If his adventures continue to be as excellent as Flies the Coop III and Hole Dweller’s previous catalog, they are greatly welcomed. 

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