On its second Sub Pop album, DESCENDED LIKE VULTURES, the San Francisco quartet Rogue Wave makes a notable departure from its debut, OUT OF THE SHADOW. While the earlier disc has an airy, lo-fi sound that's enhanced by subtle electronics, much of VULTURES is amped-up indie-rock bolstered by dense arrangements. "Publish My Love" features alternately chiming and driving surges of guitars, while "10:1" careens along on layered keyboard lines and a propulsive beat. Frontman Zach Rogue often sounds like a less troubled younger brother of Elliott Smith, particularly on the record's mellower moments, including the folk-tinged "California" and the dreamy "You." Although Rogue Wave fans may initially be perplexed by VULTURES, the album reveals a more ambitious aspect of the band, and repeated listens reveal its many charms.
Professional Reviews
Entertainment Weekly (No. 847, p.87) - "...Rogue Wave update '60s British pop for blog-era tastes...." - Grade: A-
Mojo (Publisher) (p.116) - 3 stars out of 5 - "When it works, the dreampop candyfloss strengthens the melodies and deepens the pathos of their singer's worldly-wise songwriting....It's sweet and vivid..."
