Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures

With Descended Like Vultures, Zach Rogue has fully established himself as a mid-class songwriter. That’s to say that in 15 years' time, we’ll look back on Rogue Wave fondly, recalling their consistency instead of their discussing which records are essential and which ones contributed to the band’s demise (and hopefully premature thoughts of their break-up won’t be a jinx—if so, sorry!). Being in this position isn’t necessarily unfortunate, as it’s far more respectable to put out a slew of solid records than it is to put everything on the table for a couple releases and then run out of steam. The group emerged out of nowhere a couple years ago, and for most of us, the introduction was done via last year’s Out of the Shadow. Rogue Wave released the splendid 10:1 EP in August as a precursor to this record, and I’m sad to say that “Wait for It” didn’t make the cut for the sophomore effort. Descended Like Vultures finds Rogue and Co. traveling the usual path, effortlessly penning Built to Spill-like lo-fi indie rock. “Bird on a Wire” puts Rogue in balladeer attire, “Publish My Love” and “Salesman at the Day of the Parade” are akin to Elliott Smith without the drug references and introspection. “10:1” is an all-out fuzz rocker, and nearly all the songs feature instrumentation beyond the usual—cellos, trumpets, xylophone, vibraphone, and a Wurlitzer all make tasteful appearances. You might not remember it a year from now, but Descended Like Vultures will be the second superb installment in a career that’s sure to be long, enjoyable, but probably underrated. [www.roguewavemusic.com]