"Wave" Makes Another Splash

Rogue Wave's
"Descended Like Vultures"
Album Review










Attention scenesters, hipsters and indie rock fashionistas; you must get your hands on the new Rogue Wave album before the producers of “The O.C.” snatch it first.

Rogue Wave is just one of the latest finds by SubPop Records, the revered label carrying notables like The Shins and The Postal Service. The band fell onto the scene in the summer of 2004, building a reputation on indie melodic charm.

Despite critical praise, Rogue Wave’s debut solo album “Out of the Shadow” somehow managed to slip under the radar.

Because of the album’s poor performance, frontman Zach Rogue was determined to trump himself in the studio this year.

This time, however, Rogue was joined by his touring band, allowing for a more complete sound. The result is “Descended Like Vultures,” a blisteringly beautiful, 11-track indie-pop masterpiece. The album echoes Yo La Tengo’s early work and Built to Spill’s later work but maintains an original sound.

Rogue and his band poured stunning soul into each track.

The opener, “Bird on a Wire,” charges in with hammering drums and jangling tambourines held together by Rogue’s ethereal voice.

“Publish My Love” makes impressive use of Rogue Wave’s trademark texture. It conflicts harsh electric riffs with sweet acoustic harmonies. The track is, without a doubt, an album standout for its striking arrangement and charming melody.

The album mellows out during “Salesman at the Day of the Parade” and “Catform,” reuniting the listener with the acoustic sound Rogue made so popular on his first album.

“Love’s Lost Guarantee” is essentially a crash course in song writing. Rogue proves himself a master of wordplay and metaphors, executing unlikely comparisons between adoration and the “Kennedy Curse,” with an order of love on the side.

“10:1” is a cacophony of noises, guitars, tin drums and bells that blend unexpectedly well. The track is a power-pop ditty worthy of taking on any song by the New Pornographers. It was also released as a single, along with two previously unreleased tracks.

Rogue saved some of the best for last with “Medicine Ball.” This short and simple country tune is likely to get anyone’s toe tapping.

The hauntingly rhythmic “You” is a luminous example of producer Bill Racine’s talent. Racine worked with accomplished artists, such as The Flaming Lips and Sparklehorse. It’s no wonder he is capable of laying down such a kaleidoscopic anthem of idolatry.

The album’s closing track, “Temporary,” is a dual acoustic-driven ballad likely to stick with you long after it’s through playing. Rogue gives his pipes a break on this track and allows the music to do the talking.

Having two remarkable albums under his belt, Rogue and company are capable of mainstream success.

With any luck, such success will serve to better Rogue Wave’s natural talent and further their ability to create powerful pop music.

Clocking in at a mere 40 minutes, “Descended Like Vultures” is a quick listen filled with enough talent and rock sensibility to place it among the best albums of the year.

Unfortunately, the release date has been pushed back a month to Oct. 25.