Descended Like Vultures is the second album from Rogue Wave, and the Oakland-based band lead by Zach Schwartz aka Zach Rogue presents a fuller sounding effort in comparison to 2004’s Out of the Shadow. The departure from the more acoustic sound is due to the expanded backup, but the solid songwriting (handled mostly by Schwartz and bandmate Pat Spurgeon) that was at the core of the outfit’s debut still drives Descended Like Vultures. “Bird On A Wire” opens up the album with pleasant, positive indie rock vibes, and the acoustic “Salesman At The Day of the Parade,” which evokes aesthetics of Out of the Shadow, is also a high point in the 11 tracker. Other songs to check out include: “Catform,” “10:1,” “Publish My Love,” and “Are You on My Side.” This is an official repress of the album.

• music label: Sub Pop Records 2005 / 2016

reviewed by donut savage 07/2016