Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave. Photo by Daniel Mikhailov
Oakland-bred outfit, Rogue Wave, wrapped up their 23-city North American tour last Sunday with a San Diego show that felt more like a kick-off than a finale.
The boys spent six weeks promoting their fifth album, Nightingale Floors, which dropped in June of this year, alongside Seattle’s Hey Marseilles. The evening’s contagious energy brought nearly everyone to their feet and left the audience craving more.
Hey Marseilles introduced the show with a set filled with horns and strings, showering us with a beautiful sound hovering somewhere between the styles of Beirut and The Decemberists. The touring troupe of seven profiled an eclectic assortment of instruments, from a cello and a trumpet to a mandolin and an accordion. Despite a stage full of musicians in a rather intimate venue, Hey Marseilles pegged their harmonies with a soaring ease. The band, who released their second full-length album this past March, performed equal parts old and new for the San Diego crowd.
When Rogue Wave finally graced the Belly Up stage, our ears were ringing with anticipation. The boys bounded into their set with a throwback to a couple 2004 favorites, “Every Moment” and “Nourishment Nation.” The introduction was enough to pull the final stragglers out of their seats and away from their half-empty beer bottles, and the show was officially in full swing.
Rogue Wave featuring Hey Marseilles for ‘Lake Michigan’. Photo by Daniel Mikhailov
For the next hour, Rogue Wave weaved through their nine years of discography. Paying special attention to the tracks from Nightingale Floors, the band played each song like they hadn’t already been playing them for a month and a half. Front man Zach Rogue’s enthusiasm was high, and he seemed genuinely excited to be playing in San Diego. Maybe it was the booze or maybe it was the relief of wrapping up another tour, but I’d like to think it was because we were a great crowd and a great venue.
The band brought out Hey Marseilles to jam with them to their most recognized tune, “Lake Michigan,” an event they said had never been done before. The groups parted ways and Rogue Wave wrapped up their set with a glorious rendition of their own “Harmonium.”
For the encore, of course, Rogue Wave came back with flowers in hand––an act that seems to be turning into a tradition for the band, but is still heartwarming nonetheless. After selectively scattering the bouquet throughout the audience, they finished up the evening with the older “Cheaper Than Therapy” and “California” and the newer “No Magnatone.” The band eased into a graceful farewell and marked the end of yet another tour.
Rogue Wave and Hey Marseilles. Photo by Daniel Mikhailov
Hey Marseilles and Rogue Wave’s camaraderie certainly worked in both bands’ favors. The talent of both bands was evenly matched and made for a night full of all-around impressive music.
While Hey Marseilles will continue performing at various music festivals across the country this summer Rogue Wave will take a break, but hopefully not for too long. San Diego will certainly be waiting to welcome them back with open arms.
Rogue Wave and Hey Marseilles. Photo by Daniel Mikhailov
Be sure to check out both of these amazing bands! Catch their updates on Twitter: @heymarseilles and @roguewaveband
Review by Sarabeth Oppliger. Follow her on Twitter @sarabethster.
