Time For A Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line (2008)

I've always felt violins have been an underused instrument in rock music. Then the Arcade Fire came along and fused them with guitar and bass, vocal and piano. It'd be wrong to think that the Ra Ra Riot haven't been influenced by the Montrealers in this sense. Except the guys from New York state have also brought in a cello. So, where am I going with this? Well, you probably have pictured a quaint band that gracefully play a tempered, measured style of music.

You're wrong. And I apologise for insinuating. Ra Ra Riot provide, as they describe it, a "frothing cauldren of gruel." They are, hopefully, the spearfront of a new genre, a new era in rock music could beckon if they continue to produce this extremely lively and bouncy music. It's happiness tinged with sadness, with catchy lyrics and often rowdy drumming. 

Having recently secured a slot supporting Death Cab for Cutie and previously touring the UK with The Editors, they are making a name for themselves through other bands. It's a method that the Riot can pull off, as they are essentially a live band. They audience doesn't need to provide any energy, they will be drawn in with the tractorbeam-esque nature of their music. It's almost hypnotism.

If there is one criticism of their music, however, it must be the overproduced nature of The Rhumb Line. It doesn't quite portray the true spirit of the band. Still, a magnificent record (even if the singer occasionally sounds like Johnny Borrell) with the highlight being a stunning cover of Suspended In Gaffa. 

Check them out at Kings College Student Union in London on Tuesday 17th February. £8 adv.

Rating: 8/10