Spring Break
The Daily OrangeIncite a Riot: Syracuse University alums Ra Ra Riot performed new songs and old favorites at The Westcott
By Caitlin Dewey
Posted: 3/30/09, 1:25 AM EST Section: Feature
But the mixed crowd, composed primarily of SU students, was there to see Ra Ra Riot - a fact reflected by the rabid anticipation before Ra Ra's set.
"I was anxious for them to get going. As much as the other bands were cool and everything, they weren't really the reason I was there," said Alexis Pokorny, a sophomore public relations major. "When Ra Ra Riot started getting ready … everyone was really antsy and excited. One person would come (onstage) and everyone would start cheering."
Despite the fact that the band graduated three years ago and that most of its friends and contemporaries have likewise since departed, utter hysteria accompanied Ra Ra's emergence onstage at 11:48p.m. - and lasted for the duration of its hour-plus set.
As good as Ra Ra Riot sounds on album, absolutely nothing compares to the force of its live show. The chemistry between band members is palpable. The emotion in their performance and their immaculate string arrangements transform what could be a standard indie set into an utter force of nature.
"Everybody absolutely loves them," said Jessie Zehr, a senior illustration major. "It was absolutely beautiful. It was one of those (sets) that was so powerful and strong and intense and just - beautiful." Ra Ra Riot played the entirety of its debut album, "The Rhumb Line," as well as several selections from its 2007 self-titled EP.
The crowd sang along to popular singles like "Each Year," "Dying Is Fine" and "Can You Tell," at times growing louder than the band itself. Ra Ra also previewed several yet-to-be-named new songs, which the band plans to record next fall.
Ra Ra Riot has essentially been using the same material since its EP release two years ago, but the band will need new songs in the upcoming months - Ra Ra Riot will begin playing high-profile arena shows with Death Cab for Cutie next week.
"They're getting really big. It's so exciting because they started here," Zehr said. "I hope they get bigger venues and bigger shows - I will be there if they do."
cedewey@syr.edu
"I was anxious for them to get going. As much as the other bands were cool and everything, they weren't really the reason I was there," said Alexis Pokorny, a sophomore public relations major. "When Ra Ra Riot started getting ready … everyone was really antsy and excited. One person would come (onstage) and everyone would start cheering."
Despite the fact that the band graduated three years ago and that most of its friends and contemporaries have likewise since departed, utter hysteria accompanied Ra Ra's emergence onstage at 11:48p.m. - and lasted for the duration of its hour-plus set.
As good as Ra Ra Riot sounds on album, absolutely nothing compares to the force of its live show. The chemistry between band members is palpable. The emotion in their performance and their immaculate string arrangements transform what could be a standard indie set into an utter force of nature.
"Everybody absolutely loves them," said Jessie Zehr, a senior illustration major. "It was absolutely beautiful. It was one of those (sets) that was so powerful and strong and intense and just - beautiful." Ra Ra Riot played the entirety of its debut album, "The Rhumb Line," as well as several selections from its 2007 self-titled EP.
The crowd sang along to popular singles like "Each Year," "Dying Is Fine" and "Can You Tell," at times growing louder than the band itself. Ra Ra also previewed several yet-to-be-named new songs, which the band plans to record next fall.
Ra Ra Riot has essentially been using the same material since its EP release two years ago, but the band will need new songs in the upcoming months - Ra Ra Riot will begin playing high-profile arena shows with Death Cab for Cutie next week.
"They're getting really big. It's so exciting because they started here," Zehr said. "I hope they get bigger venues and bigger shows - I will be there if they do."
cedewey@syr.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 2
joani frankel
posted 3/30/09 @ 11:04 AM EST
I was having fun reading this article until I saw the term epileptic used to describe the band's dancing. I am disappointed in the DO for allowing such a word to be used as it demeans those inflicted with epilepsy. (Continued…)
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