Nobody ever cuts poor Ra Ra Riot a break. Although only four years old, the band has already been signed and subsequently parted ways with their label, V2 Records, and suffered through the mysterious death of drummer John Pike in 2007. While their second release, The Orchard, is certainly a testament to the band’s toughness, musically, it falls flat.
Ra Ra Riot plays a brand of rustic indie rock in the vein of Fleetwood Mac or Paul Simon. It is obvious that the band members have been heavily influenced by friends and tour mates Death Cab for Cutie and Vampire Weekend, both of which lend members as guest producers on The Orchard.
The record offers ten mellow, folksy tracks that are enhanced by the band’s small string section. But despite its modest 40 minute playing time, the record drags. Most of the songs are mid-tempo and similar in structure, and the album suffers from a lack of variety.
When the band shakes things up with female vocals, compliments of Alexandra Lawn, on “You and I Know” and “Shadowcasting,” however, the music flourishes, and we catch a glimpse of the band’s potential. The strings and guitars diminish into a twinkling echo as the vocals soar into reverb-drenched ethereality.
Unfortunately, most of the record lacks originality. It tends to waver between Appalachian-tinged indie jams that sound like watered-down Fleet Foxes or My Morning Jacket, and a quirky college-rock band like Local Natives.
A safe record without any real risks, The Orchard is sure to see some success. And aesthetically, there is hope for Ra Ra Riot. There are moments when the band shows promise, utilizing their string section to back lush choruses on tracks like “Do You Remember,” giving a distinct nod to Revolver-era Beatles. If Ra Ra Riot wants to break out of indie-rock mediocrity, though, it needs to step out of the shadow of its peers, take risks, and convince its audience that the band’s music is just as exciting as its dramatic history.
Voice’s Choices: “You and I Know,” “Shadowcasting,” “Do You Remember”
—Matthew Decker
