Ra Ra Riot: The Orchard

Label: Barsuk

Young though they may be, Ra Ra Riot has been through a lot in its four-years-plus of existence (including the tragic drowning death of drummer John Pike), which could explain the unusual sophistication of The Orchard, the group's second full-length (besides three EPs).  A curiously calm restraint characterizes the album: The softly haunting "You and I Know" seems to follow the secretive hush suggested by its title even as the song (sung by one of the women in the band as opposed to keyboardist Wesley Miles) builds to a satisfying climax. Even a bouncy number like "Too Dramatic" seems content to fill a contained space, though in other more reckless hands it'd be tempting to let the tune explode. Curious in Ra Ra Riot's case is hardly a bad thing -- indie-rock this smart and tailored is never a bad thing. (Bosco)