The Orchard
Artist: Ra Ra Riot
Label: Barsuk
Website: rarariot.com
New directions and risks as Ra Ra Riot expand their sound
The Orchard is the second release from Ra Ra Riot and it has the band coming forward with a much richer sound compared to their indie rock debut The Rhumb Line [2008]. This can be a tricky card to play for a band that had a solid debut, as you run the risk of dismantling everything that worked in your favor before.
The Orchard feels more produced in every sense as the vocals are more out front, the instrumentation is more distinct and the song structures are more complex. On the bouncing "Boy", this robust vigor by Ra Ra Riot makes for a very likable and memorable uptempo track. On "Foolish", the same approach does not nearly work as well because the instrumentation is so up front, that it feels flat.
The good news is that on other tracks like "Massachusetts", Ra Ra Riot brings back their Vampire Weekend like vocal sway, while "Keep It Quiet" is the perfectly simple calm closing album ballad with an energetic middle. The Orchard takes some new directions and risks that for the most part work, as Ra Ra Riot may not have reached the high of their excellent debut but still provide an entertaining listen that offers a solid replay value.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note