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Article: Persisting in song ; Ra Ra Riot overcomes tragedy to compose smart, triumphant pop

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St. Joseph News-Press
Article date:
September 18, 2009
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There's plenty to love about the chamber pop of the Syracuse, N.Y., quintet Ra Ra Riot. The elegance of the string arrangements. The caffeinated drum rhythms. The infectiously tuneful melodies and smart arrangements.

But if you knew the band's back story, you also would grasp the music's underlying sense of personal loss.

After Ra Ra Riot formed in 2006, the group quickly acquired next- big-thing buzz due to its well-crafted indie pop tunes on its first EP and frenetic live shows. But after riding the high of rave reviews after performances at the CMJ and South By Southwest Music Festivals in 2007, it would all come to a crashing halt.

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