Live in the Canal Room

Live in the Canal Room

Ra Ra Riot. Such an appropriate name. The cheerleader-esque "Ra ra" chant evokes images of high school, all of which can be found in this youthful band. You've got your photogenic prom queens on violin and cello. Your shaggy-haired Drama Club Stud on vocals. Your lovable athletic jock on drums. Your wacky class clowns on guitar and bass. And there's the "Riot" part, which comes close to describing this six-piece's blend of controlled chaos. The songs combine distorted guitar, fat bass, keyboards, orchestrated strings, and vocals. Mix the Arcade Fire with Devo and some coverpage-worthy good looks, and you wouldn't be too far from Ra Ra Riot's enjoyable racket.