Chaser

Astonishingly Good

     

How best to describe Rogue's March? Throw together the vocal presence of Johnny Cash, the deceptively tight muscianship of the Rolling Stones, the raw energy of Clash, the dark wit of Shane MacGowan (the Pogues), and the vivid storytelling of young Van Morrison. Perhaps that's why the band has long been a favorite of the musical cognoscenti of the Lower East Side... Lead singer Joe Hurley's gravelly baritone is the perfect vehicle for the dark, self-destructive glamour of his characters. But don't get the idea that Rogue's March is a mood band--far from it. These songs run the gamut from anthemic rock to cry in your beer country to sweet, symphonic ballads. But what is most impressive about "Chaser" is its consistent quality from the opening note to the last bonus track. There are very few albums in my collection I enjoy listening to all the way through many times every year. This is one of them.