Once More With A Lot Of Feeling

Whoever hears the name Ra Ra Riot for the first time might think at a punk rock/fuck-the-system band. However, things aren't what they seem. Ra Ra Riot have already been around for four years and a half, and one might say they specialised until now in writing indie pop songs, that are catchy without necessarily having the happy-happy-joy-joy sound. And this is not a surprise, considering the tragedy that happened before the release of their debut album (the death of their drummer).

Their new record, The Orchard, is a celebration of love in all of its aspects. At this moment, the word "ballad" would most likely cross the mind of many of you - and you'd be right. On their new album, the sound became more gentle and less claustrophobic. Just as in real life, time seems to heal wounds.

If it's true that every band must have a certain something meant to make a difference, then in Ra Ra Riot's case that certain something is for sure represented by the immersion of orchestral sounds. This is proven especially on the band's first single, Too Dramatic, which is basically the kind of song that enters your mind right after the first listen and sticks with you - violin and cello never sounded more energetic and fresh. Same sensation is given by Boy, with its interesting bass line, which might make some of you regret you're not in a rock band.

These are the most energetic tracks on the album, but that does not make the rest of them sound like they are from a different (and boring) movie. It's true, there are a few moments when the sound becomes a bit monotone (see Massachusetts), but that does not make you change your mind about the whole record. Especially when the band makes unexpected moves - an example is You And I Know, on which cellist Alexandra Lawn replaces Wes Miles on vocals, giving the song a plus of tenderness and making it one of the best tracks on the album.

To put it simple, The Orchard might not have the sparkling of The Rhumb Line, but it is without a doubt a good release and a pleasant listening, enough to make you want to keep an eye on them in the future.


*photo courtesy of Ra Ra Riot's official site