Rogue Wave are not particularly roguish – the music they craft is deliciously reflective and light, but they are lead by one. Zach Rogue, to be specific. They are Californian and have all the soft-top-down-wind-in-their-hair carefree poise to prove that. Originally signed to Sub Pop in the US, they released 2 albums of sweet country-lined indie – ‘Out Of The Shadow’ and ‘Descended Like Vultures’ – and are now set to charm the rest of the world with their third album, ‘Asleep At Heaven’s Gate’, out through Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. They recall the dainty melodic style of The Shins, a little of the songwriting heart of Death Cab For Cutie and the dusty atmosphere coveted by Band Of Horses. They also have a very fine cover of the Pixies’ ‘Debaser’ on their MySpace worth a few points too. Following the UK release of ‘Asleep At Heaven’s Gate’, we asked Zach where his head is at… Where are you now? What can you see?
Glasgow. I'm in a dark room with red lights under the stage at the Garage. I could probably develop film right now if I wanted to. What was the last thing you ate?
Grilled tuna panini and chips at a pub around the way. What was the last album you bought?
Last album I bought was MGMT ‘Oracular Spectacular’, because I heard Dave Fridmann had produced it. Also, I saw the band on Letterman, and they were wearing capes, which is one of my favorite things in the world. The record has some great synth sounds and there are all sorts of schizophrenic styles and changes. I like it. What was the last movie you saw?
'Cassandra's Dream'. Not bad. Every Woody Allen movie needs a petrified neurotic and Colin Farrell fit the bill pretty well. It wasn't too hard to tell where the film was headed, but it was a rather nice and tense ride. Best movie I've seen this year is ‘There Will Be Blood’. Absolutely ferocious. What are you most looking forward to?
Not having a cold. And, the end of the Bush Administration. For both things, scientists have been trying to find a cure but to no avail. Have you regretted anything so far today?
I wish I had slept less on the drive today. Would have liked to have seen more of the English countryside. What was the last thing you liked that you saw on TV?
The series finale to Extras. Probably the most insightful analysis on the current state of TV I have seen. I had wondered why there was a need to revisit the show, since I thought it was over. But now I know why. Genius. Where or how do you feel most comfortable?
When I'm with my family. Wearing high heels and a tuxedo. Juggling. With very sharp pirate swords. That are on fire. And I'm standing on a tight rope. Which hangs high above a shark-filled pool. What are you scared of?
Time travel. And owls. What are your plans for tonight?
I'm going to master a Scottish accent. ‘Asleep At Heaven’s Gate’ is out now.
Relevant sites:
www.roguewavemusic.com
www.myspace.com/roguewave
James Berry for Crud Magazine 2008©
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