Descended Like Vultures
by Rogue Wave
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2005
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. PopMatters
    60
    Descended Like Vultures still has its moments of pleasing, ephemeral pop, but those moments, if nothing else, work as nice interludes between the more engaging numbers.
  2. The A.V. Club
    60
    Though it's generally enjoyable throughout, Descended Like Vultures feels more stunted than it should, as though Rogue were afraid to open up these songs too much.
  3. cokemachineglow
    60
    The production swamps. Too many waves of superfluities covering weak melodies and spearheading disappointing "new directions," too often sounding like the work of a far less interesting band.
  5. Alternative Press
    60
    Rogue Wave now resemble a more earnest Flaming Lips. [Dec 2005, p.204]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    60
    The cumulative effect feels a little dreary. [1 Dec 2005, p.128]
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  7. Mojo
    60
    It's sweet and vivid, but also a bit messy. [Dec 2005, p.116]
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  8. Delusions of Adequacy
    60
    The band hasn’t yet proven capable of rendering a thoroughly remarkable album. This is nothing to be ashamed of, though.
  9. Stylus Magazine
    50
    Descended Like Vultures snuggles down between Wolf Parade’s Apologies To The Queen Mary and Modest Mouse’s 2004 release, Good News For People Who Like Bad News as a competent, half-slapped together, half-methodic slice of evolved indie-rock.
  10. Splendid
    50
    While the Big Chorus and post-hardcore theatricality are hardly disparate stylistic traits, it's odd that Rogue Wave would embrace them after establishing themselves as a nuanced pop outfit.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. MichaelB.
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    I don't care what some of the critics say, this is some of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and even emotional music being written I don't care what some of the critics say, this is some of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and even emotional music being written these days. This is the album for an autumn drive through the entire length of a flat state when you almost want to wave at any of the four cars you pass. Love. It.… Full Review »
  2. CurtisW
    Jan 25, 2006
    9
    Rogue Wave, the band everybody loves to hate - where everybody is either a) a jackass or b) less than 26 years old. I know! I'm going to Rogue Wave, the band everybody loves to hate - where everybody is either a) a jackass or b) less than 26 years old. I know! I'm going to poop in my pants and call it the Arcade Fire and then rub it in my hair! I get so sick of everyones RW qualifications. It's not easy to make songs like this. Grow up and recognize.… Full Review »
  3. MackB
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    Wow, this is one amazing album. This one almost slipped past me, unnoticed, until my bro tipped me on to it. Most of the low "professional" Wow, this is one amazing album. This one almost slipped past me, unnoticed, until my bro tipped me on to it. Most of the low "professional" reviews are just lazy...and what's sad is that this is immediate stuff, so why take such a narrow-minded view? The melodies get stuck in your mind easily, yet most of the songs reward the listener on multiple listens, despite their instant catchiness. Oh well, just because some critics want to write them off doesn't diminish the album - it's just too bad these guys aren't quite getting the credit they deserve for writing such wonderful music.… Full Review »
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