Syracuse, NY's Ra Ra Riot has taken an interesting path to their first full length release. After the release of their EP, tragedy struck as they lost their drummer John Ryan Pike. But the band soldiered on after their loss, and as a result we now have The Rhumb Line.The Rhumb Line consists of ten tracks of dramatic indie rock. The songs are punctuated by cellist Alexandra Lawn and violinist Rebecca Zeller. Their deft string arrangements separate Ra Ra Riot from most everyone on the indie rock scene (with the exception of The Arcade Fire).
There is a subtle cinematic feel to Ra Ra Riot's music. The complex musical flourishes on tracks like "Dying Is Fine" evokes thoughts of fellow New York staters Mercury Rev.
Wes Miles' vocals take a bit getting used to, but do tend to improve with repeated listening. Although, we can do without the borderline fake English accent on "Winter '05".
The Rhumb Line is a strong debut, recommended for any indie rock fan who leans towards the arty rather than the rootsy.
Get the MP3 for "Dying Is Fine" here: DOWNLOAD
Best tracks: "Dying Is Fine", "Too Too Too Fast"
Track listing for The Rhumb Line:
- Ghost Under Rocks
- Each Day
- St. Peter's Day Festival
- Winter '05
- Dying Is Fine
- Can You Tell
- Too Too Too Fast
- Oh, La
- Suspended In Gaffa
- Run My Mouth
Ra Ra Riot have a series of Canadian dates including:
- Montreal, Sept. 3rd, Lambi
- Toronto, Sept. 4th, The Horseshoe Tavern
- Vancouver, Sept. 21, Media Club
Read Captain Melody's review here.
9.0
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