Albums Of The Year: Numero Uno!!!

ROGUE WAVE - 'Asleep At Heaven's Gate'

It's been quite a roller coaster for Rogue Wave these last few years. Starting out as low-key label mates with The Shins, their blend of mellow guitar-pop found a small and devoted following. Then after their acoustic B-Side 'Eyes was used about 3 times during the global phenomenon that was the first season of 'Heroes' they suddenly leaped into the stratosphere. This is how I found them, and consequently ordered everything I could find from their back catalogue (including vinyls and singles). And then, in a cruel twist of fate, just as the band were embracing their new-found fame, they were forced to take a 3-year sabbatical as drummer Pat Spurgeon was hospitalised and put on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.

A seemingly close-knit outfit, singer/songwriter Zach Rogue insisted the band would not continue until their friend and fellow musician was 100% better and back with them. Luckily, the fans stayed loyal and, after Spurgeon recovered from a successful transplant last year, eagerly awaited the results of the new recording sessions that had begun.

And the results are breathtaking, a simply sublime and joyous album, and clearly the sound of a band relieved of an ocean of stress and over the moon to be making music again. It's also, and this is the key thing, the sound of a band freeing themselves for any formula they may have had before. The whole thing feels looser and more fun this time around, and you can almost feel the enjoyment they had in making this record coming from the speakers. Hell, even Zach Rogue, a sometimes sombre and melancholy singer, just sounds likes he's smiling the whole time.

'Harmonium' opens the album with a sound quite unlike previous Rogue Wave songs. Whereas before they had opted for specifically stripped-down or simple arrangements, 'Harmonium' takes the kitchen sink approach, building from an almost disco-style beat and throwing every instrument they can find in the mix. Hell, they even play wrong chords deliberately in certain places because it's, well.... fun! 'Like I Needed' is glorious if only for using the lyric "These aren't the droids you're looking for" in the chorus (fellow geeks will get that reference).

First single 'Lake Michigan' is an absolute belter of a pop song, and easily the most upbeat thing Rogue Wave have ever recorded, yet still keeping their trademark style of throwing the unexpected at you when you're not looking. And, again, it feels playful as Zach sings "Get off my style!" over and over, as if they threw the rule book out this time. Even the hints at political lyrics have a none-too-serious feel to them, such as "Now we wear some kind of yellow uniform, Sky is burning but at least we know we're warm".

'Own Your Own Home' starts with 20 fans in the studio playing a single note on various instruments, ranging from piano to cazoo, with drummer Spurgeon clapping them in time. It's gonzo music making at it's best, and really captures the spirit of the album. Closing track 'Cheaper Than Therapy' is the closest thing to previous Rogue Wave songs, and yet still avoids becoming downbeat and is easily the most uplifting song of the year. Clinging to the delicate piano riffs, it seems to be a mission statement for the band and their approach to music, especially for this album and all they've been through. When Zach sings "Music is cheaper than therapy" over the chorus it's hard not to smile, as it's almost like he's finally voicing what we've felt for years.

Rogue Wave now feel like they can do anything, and god willing it won't be another 3 years before they come back to stun us with whatever they've got up their sleeve next.