Radar Redux

Ra Ra Riot at Ram’s Head Baltimore

March 9, 2011 | Juliette Eisner

On March 3^rd, Ra Ra Riot kicked off their 2011 tour at Baltimore’s very own Ram’s Head, in celebration of the release of their newest album, The Orchard. Ra Ra Riot, a five-piece indie rock band, hails from Syracuse, New York and has been playing music since 2006. The band released their first full album, The Rhumb Line, in 2008, and has since gained acclaim for their clear sound, personality, and pep. The Baltimore performance was solid, pleasing the attentive audience of life-long fans as well as curious new-comers. And although we have entered an era that is by no means lacking in indie rock bands, it’s not very often that a group consist of not one, but two atypical rock instruments (Alexandra Lawn played the electric cello Thursday evening, while Rebecca Zeller awed one and all on the violin), as well as three equally skilled musicians – one on bass, one on guitar, and one on drums. What’s more, all throughout the evening they were able to charm the crowd with clear melodies, skillful harmonies, and cheerful remarks. It was a strong opening for the band, who will continue on their tour of North America through the end of April.