Customer Reviews

Out of the Shadow

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I haven't gotten into an album as much I did with Rogue Wave's in a long time. I saw these guys open for the shins about a month ago and was blown away. Some of it can be compared to the shins, some other parts sound a bit like elliot smith or simon and garfunkle. it may take a few listens to get into it, but after a few listens, you wont be able to stop.

Not since Yankee Hotel Foxtrot have I enjoyed a record this much. Think Simon and Garfunkle meets Flaming Lips. Way worth the money!

I was actually quite suprised with this album. I was expecting some ho-hum tracks and forgettable melodieds, but this actually a very well done, and actually pretty album. It is very soothing to listen to, and does not drag in any parts. Perhaps it is the vocals that reel me in, the harmonization is wonderful. The tracks all have very different tones, and they are carried through very well.

Very, very good.

This record is addictive. Get used to seeing the name "Rogue Wave" around. And, they are a must see "live". This is apparent after they've played with The Shins, The Clientele, Super Furry Animals, Spoon, Yo La Tengo and now AC Newman. You gotta seem them live if you like good music. Zach Rogue plays most of the instruments on this CD! Ya gotta get this record. Geez.

A friend of mine introduced me to Rogue Wave after following Rogue Wave, the Glands and the Shins to two different area concerts. He came back with the Rogue Wave CD and an upbeat review, saying that they put on an excellent show.

What I like about Rogue Wave... it is fresh. Sure, I hear the retro-ish, upbeat feel of the Shins when I put on Rogue Wave, I hear other influences too. But I can't not appreciate the cleverness, and togetherness of Out of the Shadow. Rogue has pretty smart lyrics, great acoustics, an all-together great sound. If you're looking for something, light and semi-sweet/sad, it is a great album.

Rogue Wave has done an excellent job of taking the newer retro on the edge sound and turning into their own great music. I'd buy the album if I was looking for something new, something hip, something good.

This is a fantastic debut album from SF bay area band Rogue Wave, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next. Those who think their music is simple haven't really listened to this album. This is multidimensional music that appears simple on the outside, but take the time to listen to it, a few times at least, and you'll hear all sorts of things going on, many layers, great harmonies, unexpected instrumentation, lyrical poetry. Sure, every band has their influences, and how can you not be compared to someone else unless you are the first musician ever to walk this earth (trust me, that person's dead), but these guys make it their own. And you gotta see them live. You can tell they are great friends, it comes through in their music and in their stage presence - they are having a blast, you feel it and you can't help but have a blast too.

I got a copy at the same time I listened to the Shins debut and now I always listen to it right after I've listened to the Shins.
Very good record although it misses the sort of consistency in character (the overall mood) of the Shins debut record.
Out of the Shadow is very varied, but I don't think of it as a shortcoming.
It are catchy 60's songs, most of them very Beatles, some Simon & Garfunkel, not knowing where to compare it with really, but I certainly do not hear that much familiarity with The New Pornographers and Eliot Smith.
The vocals, however, sound at times almost identical to John Lennon's ("Kicking the Heart out" for instance), so a Beatles reference isn't that stupid after all.

It isn't a lo-fi album and therefore it will not appeal to alternative music lovers who judge music by the sound rather than the music itself: if it sounds too good then it isn't indie enough. (I'm serious, there are many people who listen to music like that - the opposite of people who are insulted by bad sounding records)
I like the sound a lot, it isn't too polished or over-produced as many mega acts, but far better sounding than the average lo-fi artist.

Some personal favorites: "Be Kind + Rewind", "Sewn Up" and "Kicking the Heart Out"

One of the best albums in recent years, a must-have for Shins lovers.

It blows my mind that anyone can sit down and listen to this album and not totally fall in love with it. I can't remember the last time an album gave me so much joy. I work at a record store and I'm constantly recommending this CD to people, and after a quick listen, most of them buy it. It's the kind of album that will grow on you with every listen and you'll always be finding new favorite tracks.

I came across Zach Rogue and his Craiglist-found band members through the usual friend of a friend hookup. I'm so glad I did. This album has been my favorite 37 minutes of music of 2004 by a long shot. Some might fault the lo-fi production values, and the fact that the lyrics are somewhat difficult to understand because of that rawness. But to me, that's what sells it. It gives the album heart. And it's why the band sounds so good live.

If you like the Shins at all then you'll most likely be very pleased with this album. The stand out track is "Endless Shovel" which is, in my opinion, one of the best songs of the year so far. Each track holds it's own ground and as a whole this album is in the same league as Chutes Too Narrow. Out of the Shadow ranks in my top ten of 2004 so far.