Ra Ra Riot – Beta Love

Ra Ra Riot really hit gold with their initial debut, The Rhumb Line.  The simple orchestral indie-pop formula presented a fine combination of catchy tunes brimming with future potential.  But then came the New York quintet’s sophomore slump.  With 2010’s The Orchard feeling mechanically similar though lacking the heart that initially won over fans and critics alike.  Acknowledging their misstep, the band’s third full length, Beta Love, promises to breathe new life with a variety of unmistakable changes, the biggest being a new focus on electronics.

While it might sound like a jarring change – or even a step backwards – the electronic inclusions compliment rather than replace their orchestral counterparts.  Without giving fans the chance to contemplate the changes, the band blindsides fans by going all in with “Dance With Me.”  Focusing heavily on electronic pulses and an undulating rhythm, the song is quick to plunge into the fearlessly catchy chorus line “come and dance with me bittersweet fool, I want to be your toy, I want to be your toy.”  The song makes a strong argument that Ra Ra Riot are capable naturals, confident with their new environment.  The track leads into “Binary Mind” which heightens their argument thanks to a quick fire of distorted guitars and various plastic handclaps.  Late in the track violin strokes surface for the first time, proving the band’s point that they no longer depend solely on their old tricks.

By the time the title track rolls by, some loose comparisons to MGMT or even Portugal. The Man and associated acts start setting in.  Wes Miles’ falsetto screams high during the chorus, making for a familiar sound when paired with their keyboard cuts.  But rest assured Miles hasn’t given up his distinct utterance.  As such, “Is It Too Much” and “Angel, Please” should stir familiar emotions as per their early work.

But Beta Love isn’t without a few oddities.  The most poignant of the bunch, “What I Do For You,” makes for somewhat of a confusing hybrid, stripped down with enough electronic bass beats to have listeners expecting a low-riding, pimped out Cadillac to sail around the corner.  A little out of place to say the least.

Beta Love lands as a step in the right direction in Ra Ra Riot’s venture for reinvention.  Granted, there’s an element of sameness on the album’s back half – almost like the band tries repeating the first half’s successes – but there’s no questioning that Beta Love achieves the goal of branching out.  Will the album garner the same attention as The Rhumb Line?  Doubtful, but it should certainly be enough to get people talking about Ra Ra Riot in a positive light once more.