Produced by Roger Moutenot (Yo La Tengo, Sleater Kinney, Elvis Costello), Asleep at Heaven's Gate is such a consistent album that a listener may have trouble picking out their favorite song. Beginning with the piano-driven "Harmonium," Heaven's Gate unfolds melodies and choruses that will etch themselves onto your brain; fortunately not in the commercial-jingle-kind-of-way. Repeated listens will inspire much swaying and singing along.
All of the familiar Rogue Wave elements are here in Asleep at Heaven's Gate: the somber acoustic introspection of "Christians in Black" and "Missed" for example. But Rogue Wave also manages to cram variety galore into this album. Subtle flourishes like samples and studio effects on "Like I Needed," steel drums in "Chicago X 12," and chimes on "Lullaby" add just the right touch without making the production seem meddlesome.
There is a lot of emotion within Asleep at Heaven's Gate, as evidenced by the surprising but short jam at the end of the combustive "Phonytown." The album culminates with its most emotionally charged track, "Cheaper Than Therapy." Beginning with a slow, dirge-like, organ-driven passage, the song quickly evolves into a somber piano-driven gem - a fitting end to an altogether impressive album.
From track to track, the uncompromising Asleep at Heaven's Gate is like a pleasant Sunday afternoon – cautiously optimistic, but not without moments of sunny inspiration. This album certainly puts Rogue Wave's importance to indie pop in perspective and makes the case for Rogue Wave's potential as a band with longevity. I highly recommend it.
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