Out Of The Shadow
by Rogue Wave
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jul 13, 2004
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    90
    "Out of the Shadows" is an indie dream come true. A dream like another great Elliott Smith record, or a Sebadoh record that isn't an embarrassment, or a Neutral Milk Hotel record that makes sense.
  2. Almost Cool
    75
    Highly recommended for fans of The Shins [and] New Pornographers.
  3. Alternative Press
    100
    Think Doug Martsch fronting the Shins and playing the sweetest Carl Newman jams ever. [Sep 2004, p.124]
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  5. Billboard
    80
    Beneath the occasionally shambling arrangements and fuzzy overdubs, though, lie some great songs.
  6. cokemachineglow
    86
    Out of the Shadow remains one of the most promisingly straight-forward indie-rock/pop debuts since Oh, Inverted World.
  7. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Some of his melodies are so easily memorable they make The Thrills sound like Rammstein.
  8. Dusted Magazine
    90
    Out of the Shadow's blissful indie-pop tunes are as affecting as they are catchy.
  9. Mojo
    70
    Tightly packed with Eight Days A Week-style harmonies and immaculate, 12-string strumming. [Oct 2004, p.100]
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  10. Neumu.net
    70
    Out of the Shadow is a meandering musical path, but one well worth taking.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Deceptively inventive, darkly melodic Simon & Garfunkel and (Elliott) Smithisms. [4 Sep 2004, p.72]
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  12. Pitchfork
    78
    The bicoastal milieu of Out of the Shadow is apparent: It reflects both a lush, sunny "California Dreamin'" temperament, and Gotham's grimy, melancholic disposition.
  13. Q Magazine
    70
    A textbook case of college rock, performed very well. [Oct 2004, p.129]
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  14. ShakingThrough.net
    66
    There's definite promise here, if not the stunning masterpiece of popcraft that a sudden deluge of impressive notices might indicate.
  15. Splendid
    70
    Despite the band's penchant for uneven electronic dirges, Out Of The Shadow is a very accessible work -- perhaps too accessible for indie enthusiasts who thrive on innovation and sonic exploration.
  16. Stylus Magazine
    60
    On many of the songs here, the accompaniment sounds like an afterthought, adding to the bedroom-recording atmosphere.
  17. Trouser Press
    60
    This is not perfect music: the observations seem to easily gained; the faster songs mere replicas of previous monuments; and no matter how graceful the notes' elisions, an unskillful denouement on many of the songs' endings.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13
  1. matta
    Jul 13, 2005
    9
    This really is a great album, one of the five best of the year in my opinion. I agree with others who have said they are similar to the Shins This really is a great album, one of the five best of the year in my opinion. I agree with others who have said they are similar to the Shins but better.....they really are better, better melodies, better strong structure, better sound....just all-around better. It will be interesting to see if they can duplicate the brilliance shown here on their sophomore release.… Full Review »
  2. JohnC
    Feb 5, 2005
    9
    Forget the Shins. This is so far superior to The Shins, and I like the shins. The album is one of the best of the years and give promise to Forget the Shins. This is so far superior to The Shins, and I like the shins. The album is one of the best of the years and give promise to what could be one of the next great band.… Full Review »
  3. GregH
    Jan 15, 2005
    9
    Comparison to the Shins is appropriate, and I think I might like Rogue Wave better than the Shins - which coming from me, means alot.....
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