Ra Ra Riot’s sophomore release, The Orchard, is a solid example of chamber pop at its most upbeat and poppy best. Listening to “Massachusetts,” a lively track influenced by Afro-pop, it comes to no surprise that this preppy Syracuse band is friends with Vampire Weekend. It may be hard to believe that Ra Ra Riot isn’t imitating the “upper east side Soweto” sound of their friends, but The Orchard is assuredly their own creation. Violinist Rebecca Zeller and cellist Alexandra Lawn provide lush, swooning strings to most of the tracks that are romantic without feeling overdone. Two standout tracks “Boy” and “Keep It Quiet” couldn’t be more different with the former being an energetic burst of drums and swirling strings and the latter a gorgeous ballad that has Wes Miles’ standout vocals. From top to bottom, it’s a great album brimming with energy and confidence. – Written by DBosket
SIMILAR | Discovery, Freelance Whales, Local Natives, The Morning Benders, Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend