As a relatively new band with only one full-length album under their belt, Ra Ra Riot may have hit a miniature sophomore slump with their second album, The Orchard. The album incorporates similar stylistic elements as their charming debut The Rhumb Line, but it lacks the catchy hooks and exuberant energy that made that album such a success.

Opening track “The Orchard” is a pretty chamber-pop ballad that utilizes one of Ra Ra Riot’s most unique elements: the sweet string sounds of cello and violin. While a nice take on balladry, the band’s sound comes to life in the more upbeat songs of The Rhumb Line. “Boy” is nicely reminiscent of older tracks with it’s higher energy vibe, thumping bass, and heavy-hitting drumming.

“You And I Know,” sung by cellist Alexandra Lawn, goes somewhere the band hasn’t tried before, but unfortunately the song just comes off as a bore. “Do You Remember” is hardly memorable at all, and “Foolish” leaves much to be desired. “Massachusetts” and “Kansai” try some interesting new things and have a fun kick to them, and “Shadowcasting” is the highlight of the album, sounding most like the songs that made fans fall in love with the band in the first place.

While mostly an enjoyable indie-pop album, The Orchard seems uninspired and doesn’t move the band forward in any positive direction. Everyone needs a little experimenting, especially after such a standout debut, and it seems that this as a trial and error album in the career of a talented band.

 

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