With an eclectic mixture of sounds, Oakland-originated Rouge Wave presents a strange mysticism in its new album Nightingale Floors. Each track holds something unexpected either in the middle or right at the very end. It’s smart as the tracks build and sounds are layered, but the vocals are quietly dimmed for most of the songs.
The lyrics tend to be overshadowed by production, especially in the first song, “No Magnatone,” where the vocals are quieter than the tambourine playing. In the track, “College,” vocals are nearly erased by a fast beat and drum clicks, but in the bridge, vocals mesh beautifully with the thuds of a muted bass drum. The production is toned down in “Figured It Out” with clear vocals as front man Zach Rogue sings, “I’m gonna be so proud,” over and over.
“Siren’s Song,” one of the most peculiar tracks on the album, builds into a thunderous climax with an entrancing rhythm and melody, only to be slowed down by “The Closer I Get,” a tender love song, full of ethereal sounds and an acoustic melody.
Some songs are anthems in nature, but they are light and airy, like “S(a)tan,” where Rogue sings, “Do what the devil wishes and beckon him to stay.” Adding to the menagerie of noises utilized, “Used To It,” uses some classic blues chords, and “Without Pain,” while mainly focusing on vocals at first, slowly layers instruments upon each other in a brilliant way.
At the end of the album, the band ties all the tracks together with the 8-minute long “Everyone Wants To Be You.” Clashing every sound imaginable, the song dies off slowly, giving it an apparent ending until after minutes of silence, vocals sneak back on.
Surprises like that are what make Nightingale Floors a complex album, production-wise. The lyrics are void of a theme and are sometimes indistinguishable. However, it’s a fantastic listen with assortments of genres and resonances that you would never expect to hear.
You can stream the album below.