Rogue Wave, "Solitary Gun" (2010)
find it on Permalight

The Shins may have broken up (or something), but there's no shortage of the sound of The Shins. It may be a little more chattering (refer to: Local Natives) or it may be filtered through a little bit of chillwave (refer to: The Morning Benders), but there's plenty of music out there with bits of acoustic with just enough electric and a right balance of meandering arrangements with tight song structure to keep anyone happy.

Thing is, Rogue Wave have had been the leading Shins soundalikes since 2004. And since then, they've been a band that I've always enjoyed even while they've never raised up to a favorite.

Frankly, "Solitary Gun"—off of their new album Permalight, out March 2—isn't a song that will raise them from "enjoy it while it's on" status with me, but man, do I ever enjoy it while it's on. It has all the right elements: acoustic guitars, smooth harmonizing backing vocals and a cracking snare. The song comes down to the chorus: something that you'd never necessarily seek out or find yourself thinking about with no clear reminder, but when it comes around, you're thrilled to have it there.