Sometimes the overwhelming blur of modern music can prevent you from discovering things that really matter. In the midst of all the indie-pop music available, it would be easy to let Ra Ra Riot fall through the cracks right back with the rest of them. This Syracuse-based band, however, strikes me differently. Their 2010 album The Orchard was a luscious blend of classic 80s groove, jangly, orchestral rock and lots of violin. In fact, the violin makes so many appearances it might as well be a sixth member of the band. This, mixed with the smooth, glass pipes of Wes Miles, and the Stevie Nicks-like vocals of Alexandra Lawn, gives them an advantage to explore new grounds of vocal intercourse. It comes close to a modern Fleetwood Mac set-up, but we don’t really know if the members are sleeping with each other or not.
Joining them at Headliners this Friday are Cincy natives Pomegranates whom entered the biz with grace, debuting with Everything is Alive in 2008. They ride on their wave of psychedelic, surf pop that landed them opening spots for acts like Spoon and Jimmy Eat World. They have since released One of Us last year and have just kicked off a tour with Ra Ra Riot. However, there has been a change in lineup according to the band’s Tumblr in a farewell letter to the fans from guitar/vocalist Daniel James Lyon. “It has been a good year of traveling, making friendships, recording One of Us, being poor, and playing shows,” says Lyon fondly, “ I wish Poms the best of luck, and look forward to marriage and a life of whatever else God holds… So, this will be my last tour with Pomegranates as we hit the road Monday with Ra Ra Riot.” It’s a good thing that Pomegranates are known for their delightfully happy shows, and with local favorite The Foxery added to the bill,
there’s nothing short of a fun night ahead of you.
Ra Ra Riot, Pomegranates and The Foxery will be performing at Headliners Music Hall this Friday, March 18th. Tickets are available through Headliners, Ear-X-Tacy and E-tix. $16, 18+ w/ ID. Show starts at 9PM.
Photo: Lastfm/Ra Ra Riot photo album
