Rogue Wave

Songwriting in its purest and most instantly accessible form appears to be a dying trade to ply. Whilst The Mars Volta et al plough an interesting and enjoyable furrow, it's left to the odd sparkling singer-songwriter and a handful of criminally ignored groups to maintain the art of melody and truly write the classic definition of a 'song'.

Rogue Wave are the antidote to the math/prog overload that many of us have accidentally fallen into. Taking the stage and appearing humbled at the reception, the band journey us through their two albums of material in modest and personable style. Their Americana-tinged indie rock is genius in its simplicity, My Morning Jacket verses and sub-Ryan Adams hooks play around an obtuse garden of guitar effects and their love of a good chorus.

In 2005 the band released their second studio LP 'Descended Like Vultures', enjoying deserved critical success, and the songs don't disappoint this evening. There's an almost dark air around 'Medicine Ball' and the tangible drama in the air at points is hypnotic.

The Californian quartet appear to be genuinely happy to be playing to a sold-out Barfly this evening, allowing themselves to let go toward the end of the performance. Main-man Josh Rogue has pulled together a live performance to match the understated yet opulent-of-character records he's delivered to date. With a spoon more confidence in both attitude and their own songs, Rogue Wave will truly deliver around LP 3.