To me, Rogue Wave's 2004 debut Out Of The Shadow (with its quaint 4-track recorded romanticized introspection) was completely reminiscent of Brendon Benson's excellent sophomore release Lapalco. Oddly enough in 2005, both of these comparable artists tried to slick up their production sound by adding a full band lineup on their new records.

Benson's Alternative To Love (which was released earlier this year) was a decent affair, but it was lacking that intimacy factor that made Lapalco such a winner. Hopefully his joint venture with Jack White of The White Stripes that comes out in 2006 will fare better. Zach Rogue with Descended Like Vultures on the other hand, completely walks that fine line of greatness to perfection. Included here are full band rockers like nothing seen on Out Of The Shadow such as "Publish My Love" and "10:1" But instead of leaving older fans in the dust, Rogue blends in the mellower songs like "California" and "Medicine Ball" that will ultimately appeal to both hipsters that were keen on Rogue Wave in the first place, and Johnny come lately's who will be blown away by Rogue's versatility. With Descended Like Vultures, fans of work by bands such as The Shins, Grandaddy, and even the quieter side of Built To Spill have something new to worship. I'll even go one step further and say this is the kind of record that Death Cab For Cutie should have made in place of their ho-hum 2005 release, Plans.