reviews
Strings ’n’ things equal indie bliss.
Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
Although joyous onstage exuberance makes Ra Ra Riot a must-see live act, the Syracuse quintet's true strength is their musical subtlety. This rings true on their poignant Barsuk debut, The Rhumb Line: Cellist Alexandra Lawn and violinist Rebecca Zeller's string parts dart and mince like a ballet troupe over dreamy guitars and Wes Miles' blue-eyed-soul vocals. Four songs from Ra Ra Riot's 2007 self-released EP appear-albeit in re-recorded (and fleshed-out) form, courtesy of Line producer Ryan Hadlock (Blonde Redhead, The Gossip). Of the new songs, the late-'80s New Order throwback "Too Too Too Fast" and the Death Cab For Cutie-esque "Oh, La" stand out. Furthermore, a majestic cover of Kate Bush's "Suspended In Gaffa" is simply magical, its classical grace channeling DeVotchKa's finest moments. In the end, there's something simple and true about The Rhumb Line-and Ra Ra Riot-that draws you back to both again and again. (BARSUK; ) Annie Zaleski
Official Website: http://www.barsuk.com
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