CITYist

Ra Ra Riot has come a long way since its first days at Syracuse University in 2006—far gone are their days of playing house parties and small shows. They immediately won the hearts of many an indie rock fan with their debut The Rhumb Line. Now, two years later, their sophomore album The Orchard (released August 24) makes a wonderful addition to their repertoire. And with four shows in New York City starting today—two each at the Bowery Ballroom and the Music Hall of Williamsburg—there’s no excuse to miss them.

Somehow Ra Ra Riot’s soft, oft-melancholic, orchestral melodies still embody within them feelings of triumph and optimism. To see them live is an experience—each of the six members (the vocalist, the guitarist, the bassist, the cellist, the violinist, and the drummer) pour their souls into each performance, inspiring in each person in the audience to sing, dance and feel. We’re fans of all three, so we’ll see you at the show. For more info, check out their website, and take a peek below at their video for “Boy.”