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Bottom of the Hill October 9, 2003 Review by Jake Thomas What more can I possibly say about Rogue Wave? Their album has gone from being ‘one of the best local albums’ in my book to ‘one of the best albums of the year, period’. Every time I see them they sound better and better, even though it never seems possible. All of their new songs are amazing and I’m insanely eager for them to record again so I can get my hands on some of their new stuff. They make me want to bootleg shows just so I can listen to those new songs as much as I listen to their album. Top that off with the fact that they are all as nice as can be, and you’ve got a winning combination. Every time I see them, the crowds are larger and larger. They were the opening band on this night and the place was already packed. Go see these guys now while they’re still playing locally a lot, because as soon as they get huge and the local hipster magazines tell you to buy their album, you’ll be pissed you didn’t get on this train earlier. I was really excited to see The Thermals, as I’d missed the opportunity to see these Pacific Northwesterners their previous couple of trips through town. I knew if they lived up to their debut album ‘More Parts Per Million’, I was in for a treat, and that they did. Playing a large chunk of that album as well as some new tracks, they were full of vim and vigor and got the crowd bouncing. The Thermals brand of non-pretentious punk laced with Guided by Voices-style melodies made me as happy as pig in shit, and inspired a spending spree back at The Thermals merchandise table. I’ll be looking forward to their next jaunt through town, most definitely. --- Read our previous Rogue Wave reviews: February 4, 2003 @ Make-Out Room August 15, 2003 @ Café Du Nord ©2003 playinginfog.com |