Ra Ra Riot
7 out of 10 - Enjoyable.
Friday, June 29, 2007
South Street Seaport - New York City, NY
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When singer/keyboard player Wesley Miles called out, “Are we ready Ra Ra Riot?” to his band halfway through their set at South Street Seaport it was the question everyone had on their mind. John Pike, the drummer for the Syracuse group tragically passed away in early June, and this was the band’s first gig back after deciding to carry on. The night could have been a downer but Ra Ra Riot were determined to keep themselves and the crowd pumped. If you were gonna cry, at least 50% of those tears were going to be drops of joy because Ra Ra Riot roared back on to the scene as fierce as ever.
The five remaining members were all smiles early in the evening as they greeted friends with hugs and even joined opener the Bikini Car Wash Company on stage for an impromptu jam. When it came time for them to tear up the stage, Ra Ra Riot shook the wooden planks of the seaport like a hurricane of swirling sound and motion. Alexandra Lawn twirled with her cello center stage as Miles jumped around the front of the stage working the crowd. He was a man with a mission. Ra Ra Riot was moving forward and he was out to prove it in a big way.
He didn’t have to worry because it only took one or two songs to make believers out of the cheering crowd anyway. Sure, there were times on stage when band members took a second or two out to offer each other some support – a back pat here or there, a friendly head butt, a jam with fill-in drummer Mike Ashley, overall though, the night stayed focus on what is was supposed to be about when the band first scheduled the gig prior to Pike’s passing – the music!
A feverish rousing take on “St. Peter’s Day Festival” was dedicated to Pike and “Can You Tell” got the crowd singing along to the catchy chorus. Singer Miles bounced between center stage and his keyboards, dropping to his knees at times to drive the kids up front wild. There are lots of ways to deal with tragedy but if this band is any indication – rockin’ to the depths of your soul is one of the best ways to heal.
Look for Ra Ra Riot’s self-titled debut EP in stores July 10th.
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