Record Review: Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard   3.5/5

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On first listen The Orchard may not be what those who have been awaiting Ra Ra Riot's follow-up to The Rhumb Line, but upon a second and third listen you'll discover a more well-rounded and mature band. The contrasts between the band's debut and sophomore albums are clear, as co-founder/drummer, the late John Ryan Pike does not inhabit much of the songwriting as on The Rhumb Line, but it's The Orchard's more lush, textured string arrangements, flourishes of energy and warmer hues are the most captivating

Where The Rhumb Line found a winning formula with a tug-of-war between hooky, energetic chamber pop and melancholic mid-tempo numbers, The Orchard find more complex, sophisticated arrangements, though not abandoning what makes the band so enjoyable, like lead single "Boy" and its preppy follow-up single, "Too Dramatic" which follow the formula of "Dying is Fine", hooky, pop-rock that's chalk full of energy.

At the cost of some hooks the boys and girls of Ra Ra Riot branch out experimenting on tracks like "Massachusetts" that dances on sprite piano keys, and strings. Cellist Alexandra Lawn takes a turn on vocals on the surprising "You & I Know", as Lawn's vocals recall a young Stevie Nicks, on the album's heaviest moment. The record's standout track is "Shadowcasting" a light and hooky, pop song with vocalist Wes Miles at his most charming.  

The Orchard demonstrates the band's growth, set to more layered arrangements and genuine energy, Ra Ra Riot may not reproduce The Rhumb Line's instant likability, but they clearly aren't resting on their laurels.