Quite how Out of the Shadow has arrived sounding like the fully-formed work of a "proper" band is anyone's guess, since it's primarily the multi-tracked solo work of Zach Schwartz - AKA Zach Rogue. Oddly, it wasn't until after the recording of these songs that Rogue Wave was formed, when Schwartz initiated a series of "love-affair" encounters with like-minded souls via the Craig's List website.

From these extraordinary (read: Extra-ordinary) origins comes some of the most humblingly gleeful sunshine college-pop of recent memory - all radiant choruses, verdant melodies, acoustic strums and keyboard flourishes, gleaned from a songwriting talent that almost seems to glisten. The record's scuzzy, homemade feel helps to no end, bringing an easy charm and warm intimacy to the fore, yet the delectable joys of Rogue's songs are the key attraction. Alternately zealous and remote, they're touching, tuneful, and innocently soft-natured without ever coming off as cloying. In particular, "Nourishment Nation" is pure guitar-pop perfection - an ascendant, bafflingly simple acoustic refrain, mirrored with lush, infectious vocals and a thumping mid-paced drumbeat. There's also the jangly, joyous, arms-open-wide pah-rump of "Seasick on Land" and "Kicking the Heart Out,", while the wistfully-plucked introspection of "Be Kind - Remind" or "Falcon Settles Me" find Rogue in a mode of hymnal, acoustic contemplation á la Simon & Garfunkel.

Comparisons to The Shins will be all but inevitable (there are definite similarities), but in terms of Rogue's ability to pen infectious, emotive guitar pop, Out of the Shadow feels nothing like the DIY blueprint-for-a-band that it is. Quite the opposite - it's a striding, confident body of songs that arrives fully-formed. Whether or not the "band" Rogue Wave will be able to follow it remains anyone's guess, but like a tearful hug from an old best friend, Out of the Shadow is a warm, familiar, and quietly affecting experience. – Allan Harrison