It all happened back in 2006 when a couple of college kids studying at Syracuse University decided to start a band–one that’s youthful and exciting, strung out with string instruments, and a leading voice that offers a cool medium to the otherwise springy tone. They named their band Ra Ra Riot. And quickly after getting together they landed gigs playing CMJ and SWSW, followed by a self-titled EP. Their first full-length record, The Rhumb Line, was released on the indie label Barsuk Records, and their third album The Orchard was mixed by members of Death Cab for Cutie and Vampire Weekend.
The buzz continued for Ra Ra Riot over the years, even after the unexpected death of one their bandmates when playing a show in New England. But their passion for creativity remained strong, as did their devotion to the band as a whole. They’d since moved to New York City and just kept doing what they were best at: playing music.
But time changed Ra Ra Riot’s sound a bit on Beta Love from 2013 and Need Your Light released just last year. It’s way more electronic-pop with an offbeat energy–a colorful twist that seems prime for millennials–which you can hear on tracks like “Binary Mind” and “Absolutely.” Even the vocals of lead singer Wes Miles has evolved on these last two albums–bursting now with way more movement and color, compared to the steadiness of their early discography. On their upcoming tour the band is kicking it old school and celebrating the ten-year anniversary of their EP.
Music Hall of Williamsburg
4/22
9 p.m.
$25
axs.com
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