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Rogue Wave

Hailing from Oakland, Rogue Wave began out of a degree of desperation. Leader Zach Rogue was frustrated with his job as a Web designer, as well as with the direction his former band was taking. After moving to New York, Rogue began writing more personal songs, with an off-kilter pop edge. He christened his new project Rogue Wave, and, catching the attention of Sub Pop Records, Rogue released Out of the Shadow, which for all intents and purposes was a solo album under a band name heading. Caught somewhere between Simon and Garfunkel and Yo La Tengo, Out of the Shadow was a mysterious record filled with themes of hope and despair—often within the context of the same song. After releasing the record, Rogue assembled Rogue Wave as a live band. Now a quartet, the band released last year’s Descended Like Vultures, a brilliant recording filled with weary songs about traveling the country. More filled-out than its predecessor, Descended Like Vultures is a beautiful time capsule filled with the longing and dread that often comes with love and the unfamiliar feelings of optimism that often accompany that emotion. Opening the show is the Love Parade and Ken Reaume.

Wednesday, August 16 at 9pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E. Mohawk St (855-3931)

www.mohawkplace.com. $10