Split the difference between the afro-pop sensibilities of Vampire Weekend, and the epic undertakings of Arcade Fire, and you will find the niche inhabited by Syracuse, New York quintet Ra Ra Riot. Their debut full length, The Rhumb Line, is 37 minutes of inspired indie pop, with each song walking delicate lines of joy and sorrow.  A few of these songs have been out for a bit on separate EPs, but they’ve been tweaked and improved for this full length release.

It is hard to view this album without considering the tragic death of original drummer and songwriter John Pike. With death as a frequent theme on the record, the loss of their friend must have weighed heavily on the group during recording, especially when performing the songs he wrote. However, it is this juggling of emotions that comes through on the tracks and makes them so engaging. The prominent cello and violin could easily be used to pull the listener down to a defeated state, but instead are paired with Wesley Miles’ pure and simple vocals to lift the songs above their tragic undertones. Ra Ra Riot doesn’t hide from their past, but rather pushes towards a deeper understanding of life that inspires one to make the most of his time rather than retreat in fear.

This isn’t bubblegum inspirational fluff. This is a real world view. Life isn’t perfect. They know this well. But time doesn’t stop in the face of tragedy. This album is an honest look at a group doing their best to accept their past and embrace their future, and in my opinion, succeeding in both.

Ra Ra Riot are currently on tour. Check out their myspace page for dates. This is an album to listen to start to finish, but as always, here are the standout tracks and what to do with them.

Track 1: “Ghost Under Rocks”

Cello and Bass burst forth to welcome you to the album. Drums shortly follow and power you through this beautiful opening track. This is Ra Ra Riot firing on all cylinders.

This is the song for leaving the past in the past. Play it loud, keep you head up, and move forward.

Track 3: “St. Peter’s Day Festival”

An upbeat track with Miles’ soft voice calling out for a potential meet-up with a friend at a Gloucester bar. A song on the potential of real honest joy, not delusional ecstasy.

First dates are exciting, at times terrifying, but always worth the undertaking. Here we have the song that captures the entire experience in 3:35 flat.

Track 8: “Oh, La”

The two women on strings, Alexandra Lawn on cello and Rebecca Zeller on violin, are really allowed to shine on this track.

A song about learning from your partner and friends, this is the perfect track to get you through a fight. The highs wouldn’t feel high if the lows weren’t so low.


Ra Ra Riot – “Dying Is Fine”