It's not everyday you see a violinist and cellist take the stage at a rock show, but Ra Ra Riot takes their synth indie rock sound to surreal levels. Ra Ra Riot, based out of Syracuse, NY have been playing music together for a decade, starting out at house parties on their college campus. That house party groove has transformed over the years, but the premise remains the same. The band released their 4th album "Need Your Light" in early 2016 and I caught them in late April at their stop in Fort Lauderdale at Revolution Live.
I hadn't had the opportunity to see Ra Ra Riot live before this year, but had caught clips online, which definitely do not do them justice. The music of the band transform s into an entire new sound when you have singer, Wes Miles, belting out his dramatic lyrics in front of you. Bassist Mathieu Santos, guitarist Milo Bonacci, drummer Kenny Bernard, violinst Rebecca Zeller (along with t heir touring cellist) work so seamlessly on stage together you can feel the synergy radiate through the club. The crowd danced along to the assortment of songs spanning each of their albums. While the definitive sound of the band has evolved from baroque pop to a more synthy indie rock throughout their career, the passion in the music remains, and the talented musicians behind it give a solid vibrant performance you don't wanna miss. Catch Ra Ra Riot on tour with Young the Giant this September, visit http://www.rarariot.com/ for dates.