This is where Rogue Wave, the band, really gets started. As Oakland-based singer/songwriter/arranger Zach Rogue puts it, "this record is the sound of four people's ideas colliding." Descended Like Vultures, Rogue Wave's... more » second full-length for Sub Pop, is a velvety, darkly dichotomous album: pop vs. despair; hope vs. realism. Whereas Rogue's `04 release, Out of the Shadow, was for all intents and purposes a solo project, Descended Like Vultures finds Zach Rogue's unapologetic hooks and soaring melodies built up skyscraper-high by bandmates and mulit-instrumentalists Pat Spurgeon, Gram LeBron and Evan Farrell, who have grown close and road-seasoned thanks to a year of intensive international touring with The Shins, The Helio Sequence, TV on the Radio, and Mates of State. While the new album isn't an overtly political record, (rather, it's more humanitarian) Zach Rogue's impeccable songwriting was heavily informed by what he and his band experienced on the road. On this release, Rogue Wave leaves no stone unturned, no possibility unexplored.« less
This is where Rogue Wave, the band, really gets started. As Oakland-based singer/songwriter/arranger Zach Rogue puts it, "this record is the sound of four people's ideas colliding." Descended Like Vultures, Rogue Wave's second full-length for Sub Pop, is a velvety, darkly dichotomous album: pop vs. despair; hope vs. realism. Whereas Rogue's `04 release, Out of the Shadow, was for all intents and purposes a solo project, Descended Like Vultures finds Zach Rogue's unapologetic hooks and soaring melodies built up skyscraper-high by bandmates and mulit-instrumentalists Pat Spurgeon, Gram LeBron and Evan Farrell, who have grown close and road-seasoned thanks to a year of intensive international touring with The Shins, The Helio Sequence, TV on the Radio, and Mates of State. While the new album isn't an overtly political record, (rather, it's more humanitarian) Zach Rogue's impeccable songwriting was heavily informed by what he and his band experienced on the road. On this release, Rogue Wave leaves no stone unturned, no possibility unexplored.
Cale E. Reneau | Conroe, Texas United States | 12/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a Rogue Wave fan. I'm the only Rogue Wave fan that I know of, and it's a shame. I've been listening to them since their first album "Out of the Shadow" was released and have followed them closely since then. When I read that their newest album "Descended Like Vultures" was a departure from their first album, I was scared. Then I bought it. Wow.
There's really not a bad song on the album. There are definitely low points ("You"), but nothing worth trashing completely. The songs on the album range from soft, acoustic pop songs ("Salesman at the Day of the Parade") to undisputable distorted indie rock ("10:1"). If you're not a Rogue Wave fan, it might be a tough listen, but give it a shot and you're bound to find something you like. If you're a Eliot Smith fan, then there should be no problem making the leap into Rogue Wave territory, since Zach Rogue is surprisingly similar to the late artist. Give it a shot, listen to the samples, and judge for yourself. For me, I love it."
More stars than Burt Reynolds' New Years party
Devon | West Coast | 11/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think this record is great. Kevin, did you lose to Mr. Rogue in a battle of the bands in high school or something?"
Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures
Brian | California | 02/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rogue Wave is not an original band. That said, they are still a good band. I think, they do what they do best, in a sea of sound-alike Indie Pop/Rock bands. They sound so pure, so fresh, and fun. Who can deny the beauty of a song as rockin as "Bird on a Wire". Other sweet tracks like the bittersweet "California", "Catform", "Publish My Love", and the single "10:1" complete this album.
"Descended Like Vultures" is vastly underrated. In my opinion, few other bands have put out such a complete album of ballads and rockers and pop-hooks and outstanding song-writing."
Descended Like Vultures
Peter Viox | Knoxville, TN USA | 12/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album fits in quite well with its Sub Pop counterparts. It's sure to please fans of "Oh, Inverted World" and "Chutes Too Narrow", but don't get too caught up in the Shins comparison. "Descended Like Vultures" stands on its own two feet with a resumé stuffed with enough indie pop grandness, but also just enough variation to make it interesting.
Dabbing in both slow jams and high-powered electric pop tracks, Rogue Wave also takes the time to flavor the songs with intelligent, thought-provoking (and equally catchy) lyrics. Listeners will find the acoustic tracks well placed and paid their due attention. Did I just hear a hint of Bob Dylan in "Medicine Ball"?
I really find it difficult to say anything bad about this album. I was blown away and I've been having a hard time keeping this out of my CD player for the last two weeks. Highly recommended!
No two songs sound too alike. The vocalist noodles his way around every other instrument almost too well ... Preferred tracks: "Bird On A Wire", "Publish My Love", "Love's Lost Guarantee", "Are You On My Side" (can't I just say them all?)
Go ahead and get it. Give it two straight listens - you really shouldn't be disappointed."