Rogue Wave
Independent - Jun 7, 2009
review by nikkiroddy

You may be a Rogue Wave fan and not even know it. This is precisely what a bouncing brunette at The Independent realized Sunday night. In the middle of the electric, hour-long set, she gleefully shouted in my ear, "I didn't know this was their song! I love this song!" I wasn't surprised. With 3 successful albums under their belt, Rogue Wave's melodic and wistful tracks have appeared on an impressive collection of popular television series and movie soundtracks. Rogue Wave is simply one of those remarkable bands that everyone knows of, whether he or she is conscious of it or not.

The sold out show was clearly a testament to the band's relevance, but it was also a symbolic night of strength and hope, organized by the D.A Taylor Charitable Foundation. Founded in 2006 to honor D.A Taylor, a teenager who tragically died from meningitis, The Foundation aims open up doors to higher education for underprivileged youth.

Rogue Wave is perhaps the perfect band to couple with the D.A Foundation, having faced a series of painful and tragic events in recent years, making them more sympathetic than most to life's mysterious and fateful twists and turns. Fans of the band will remember the heartbreaking announcement of former member Evan Farrell's sudden death, drummer Pat Spurgeon's kidney failure, and most recently, lead singer Zach Rogue's neck injury, which resulted in debilitating pain and a multitude of cancelled shows in 2008.

But any expectation that the show would be a somber one dissolved as quickly as the house lights dimmed. Taking the stage with pure excitement, Rogue Wave opened with a booming rendition of "Every Moment", bouncing around stage with giddy exuberance. Outfitted in modest thrift store threads, the scruffy and tattooed group from Oakland looked like average Northern California thirtysomethings. They are not the quintessential self-indulgent, carefree rockers. The men of Rogue Wave have seen some shit, and they command the stage in a way that feels both triumphant and humble.

Zach Rogue expressed the band's gratitude several times through the show, thanking the audience and admitting sheepishly that he "feels very special." Dressed in a long-sleeved blue shirt and black jeans, and topped with a shaggy mop of dirty blonde hair, Zach is an unassuming front man. He performs with an earnest expression and slow expressive hand motions. His angelic voice sounds identical to any of Rogue Wave's produced albums. It's sincere and powerful, the kind of voice that makes girls swoon.

Throughout the night, Rogue Wave joyfully ran through their hits, including "Eyes" and "Bird on a Wire", continually bouncing and smiling with boundless energy. Arguably, the most memorable moment of the night is when the band broke into a drumming circle, with every band member grabbing drumsticks, rhythmically hitting the drum kit, the stage and their equipment before exploding into their biggest hit, "Lake Michigan". Even the audience joined in, clapping our hands and stomping our feet in a frenzy.

Full of life and celebration, Rogue Wave is a band you feel lucky to see live. Their performance is refreshing, and you'll leave with the overwhelming sense that this band has gained enough life perspective to know exactly what making music is all about. Good vibes and a chance you probably unknowingly love a few of their songs already. What more could you ask for?

posted Jun 09, 2009
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