Rogue Wave @ Grog Shop Tonight

Rogue Wave have had to overcome some pretty tough obstacles over the past few years: the tragic death of a former bandmate, a kidney transplant, and a spinal-cord problem that numbed one of the members’ hands. So it’s all the more surprising that they craft such peaceful pop songs that feature the sound of chirping birds. Out of the Shadow, their 2004 debut, is full of happy tunes like “Nourishment Nation,” which gleefully declares “one more bite until we go” on top of chiming bells and simple guitar strumming. On the new Permalight, Rogue Wave step away from their sweet acoustic music toward a more danceable set of songs. Frontman Zach Rogue incorporates electronic beats and plenty of vivacious synths that blast in several different directions. He was confined to playing his lightest instrument, a Sears Silvertone guitar, after slipping two disks in his neck a couple years ago. The Oakland-based band recorded Permalight while Rogue’s right hand was still numb. But Rogue Wave sound more alive than ever. Get ready for handclaps and smiles — onstage and off — when the band comes to town tonight.