Ra Ra Riot

Artist- Ra Ra Riot
Album- The Orchard
Label- Barsuk
Genre- Indie pop

Indie-pop favorites Ra Ra Riot return with a solid second album. The arrangements are tighter ( violist and sometimes vocalist Rebecca Zeller and cellist Alexandra Lawn add a lush fullness to each song), the lyrics are more mature, and sure, singer Wes Miles still sounds quite a bit like Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig, but who cares at this point? Single “Boy” is a beautiful upbeat song that’s nicely countered by the melancholy touch of strings. “Too Dramatic” follows this up by keeping up the same energy that makes early singles like “Dying is Fine” or “Ghost Under Rocks” so darn listenable. Sure, there’s a few filler tracks (“Massachusetts”, “Do You Remember”), but it’s allowed. Stunner “You and I”, where cellist Lawn gets a turn at vocals, is perfect beyond words. Ra Ra Riot has always been a details-oriented band, and this album excels on the interplay between the vocals, strings, bouncy guitar riffs and superb drumming. This album finds the band honing their sound and exploring new territory. Play this often.