Brushfire Records

Rogue Wave’s fourth album is immediately likeable and truly engaging from the opening of the rollicking acoustic number “Solitary Gun” (which, for comparable purposes, sounds like a quirkier, less mopey Death Cab for Cutie). The songs that follow don’t falter: “Stars and Stripes” is a layered, pensive reflection on what our flag means while “We Will Make a Song Destroy” is moody and emotive, recalling some of the more aching tracks on Rogue Wave’s first two records. The Oakland, Calif. band has always flown a bit under the radar – an unfortunate fact considering the skill of its songwriting and the passion behind its production. It’s for those who love charming indie rock but understand why a band like Owl City is crap.