The energy on Ra Ra Riot’s fourth full-length is unmistakable. While none of the songs on the Syracuse indie-rock five-piece’s last album, 2013’s Beta Love, cracked four minutes, the ones on Need Your Light that stretch longer and build grandiose momentum work best.
Ostensibly a baroque pop act, Ra Ra Riot delved into electronic territory last time around. The electronic feel hasn’t disappeared here, but it’s just one part of the equation. Absolutely leans heavily on a synth riff, and the result is a hooky groove that could get even the most reserved listener’s hips swaying. The 10-year-old band should be able to get a dance floor moving more than ever with these songs.
Meanwhile, Kenny Bernard’s slow-building drum work propels the band to their most climactic chorus on I Need Your Light. Lead single Water best captures their fusion of styles, from their original symphonic sound to the electronic stuff to vocalist Wes Miles’s pipes reaching celebratory heights.
Top track: Water
Ra Ra Riot play Lee’s Palace on April 14. See listing.
