Customer Reviews

Descended Like Vultures

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For all intents and purposes, the first album from Rogue Wave (Out Of The Shadow) was a solo effort from lead man Zach Rogue that was later filled-in a bit with the help of some musician friends. At first, the group released the CDs on their own, and then like some sort of indie-band dream come true, they found the album re-remastered and re-released by Sub Pop, and the group went on tour in support of it. Enjoying a fair amount of chemistry together, they started writing tracks for a new release together.

Part of the charm of that first album was a sort of rough-hewn and even a bit scattered quality that no doubt came from the fact that one person played a large part in writing most of the songs. Descended Like Vultures then, is just about the complete opposite in most ways, with most songs bursting forth in polished in precise ways. These power pop (even rock, dare I say) tracks are offset a few quieter, understated moments where Rogue croons over more stripped-down instrumentation. "Bird On A Wire" opens the release with aforementioned bombast, and it's obvious that it's going to be an altogether different album than the quirky first release as waltzing verses sway with nervous, noisy punctuations and power ballad choruses.

"Publish My Love" is another sweeping track that utilizes multiple layers of guitar and an almost shiny production quality, and the louder moments stick out even more because of it. Basically, Descended Like Vultures sounds like the album you might imagine from the group in the first place if they'd had more of a production budget and decided to rock out more. On both "Love's Lost Guarantee" and "10:1" (and several other tracks really), one can hear the great melodies that the group pulled off on their first album magnified. The clever lyrics of Rogue are still there, there's just a lot more going on at the same time.

There are a few places on the album where the full band and more lush sound leads things to sound a smidge more rote than on the debut, but despite the new production opportunities, the group doesn't go too overboard and even mixes in a couple more simple tracks for good measure (like the warm, acoustic "California" and subtle synths and guitars of "Salesman At The Day Of The Parade"). One could argue that it sounds like a different group on this release, and technically it is. Still, if you like the last album from Rogue Wave, I can't imagine you going wrong with this one.

(from almost cool music reviews)

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.

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 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.

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.

I absolutely adored this CD, mostly because the music is so different and the band seems to have such a creative force in music-making. If I was forced to pick a genre for this release I would say 60s psychedilic influenced new-new wave. Standouts include "Publish My Love" and "California" but any song would honestly give you chills.

Also, if you enjoy this band, be sure to check out thier first CD, "Out of the Shadow" for more of a experimental 60s influenced sound.

Love, love, love this album. It flows so nicely...everything is so melodic, yet you can rock out to it at the same time. This album is perfectly composed. It's hard to take it out of the CD player!

From Bird on a Wire through Temporary this was amazing. Catchy guitar riffs, great vocals and lyrics. This album moved to the top of my list of recent great releases. I purchased this at the same time as Wolf Parade and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Rogue Wave blows away the competition. Definitely recommended.

Rogue Wave is another addition to the sub-pop records family, with bands like the shins, the constantines, the elected, Damien Jurado, and Postal Service, this seattle based record company has the leading edge of indie bands. Zach Rogue writes almost everything for the cd and it really shows the true sound he wanted to get from this album. "Bird on a wire" has the sound of many Elliot Smith songs, "Publish my love" is a soft resonant song that leaves you still wanting to be convinced as to what he can do while "Love's Lost Gaurantee" and "10:1" broaden the sound to create the two ranges that his music could create to be the two best songs on the album. The next song "California"
is not another beach, summer, song it's totally voices my opinion about that certain state in the first two opening words where he says "screw california". and the next best song that almost ends the cd is "you" which has awesome pausing and echoey guitar where he sings about finding love. Under the Radar magazine gave it Number 5 best cd of 2005 and it could have been higher. So this is the sound I've been waiting to hear and Rogue has definetly has delivered.

With Rogue Wave's modest creation of "Out of the Shadow" came the melodic union of electronic and acoustic rhythm. They, however, held back what the band was always meant to create. Clearly, after some serious rethinking of what the band was capable of of, Descended Like Vultures was created. Staying true to their roots while digging deeper into the industry we've come to know and love (Indie) Rogue wave penetrates the ears with instrumental precision that is spell binding. At last, we've come to this.