Sunday, August 16, 2009

Rogue Wave - What You and I Have Been Missing (Sort of)



Indieball hipped me to Rogue Wave, a band that at first listen could have fit into the recent Twee Pop post I did for a buddy (any other requests?). I think both the song and video for Eyes could fit that bill.



However, a closer listen shows that Rogue Wave's got a lot more going on. Endless Shovel brings some surprising rock (kinda like Sun Kil Moon with Lily & Parrots), with crashing cymbals and frenzied strumming moving the song to a different level. Everyday could be friends with Fleet Foxes, Lake Michigan hangs out with Elliot Smith, and Sightlines marries Band of Horses beauty with Mercury Rev drama. The latter tune is from the Spiderman 3 soundtrack, which amazes and pleases me - I thought those things were just Nickelback territory, but if kids all over the world are taking in the subtlety and grace of Rogue Wave, there's hope for the world yet. As Tina wrote on Indieball, Rogue Wave is one of those bands you might have heard and enjoyed on one of many movie or TV soundtracks or commercials without knowing it.



Track 1. Endless Shovel
Track 2. Everyday
Track 3. Lake Michigan
Track 4. Sightlines

All tracks above can be downloaded here.

Rogue Wave's website offers some interesting covers, such as Pixies' Debaser and some British band's All You Need is Love, as well as free downloads. You can see some in-studio footage here, I think you'll agree that Zach Rogue has one of the sweetest voices known to humankind - like Ben Gibbard (Death Cab) and James Mercer (The Shins). The band may be headed for the success those two bands have achieved, jump on the bandwagon before it's overflowing.

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