Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

When ra ra riot took the stage at Washington D.C.’s Rock ‘N Roll Hotel Tuesday night opening for Tokyo Police Club, they didn’t seem like they should be opening for anybody. While the youthful six-piece outfit includes electric cello and violin they have a powerful, edgy rock sound. On stage they seem like that family taking up the large booth at Ruby Tuesdays that gets along too well. They share (instruments), exchange smiles, and even tussle each other’s hair (no joke). Yes, the stage at the RNR Hotel seemed a bit two small for any energetic 6-piece, but ra ra’s sound seemed just too big for the venue. They out-played the headliners, who seemed tired and lacked variety, delivering an aggressive set with no filler. With just one official release, a six-track ep that will leave you wanting more, ra ra riot are a band you should be keeping tabs on starting now.

“Can you tell” is a bass-driven soliloquy, beautifully meshed with violin and keyboards. “A Manner to Act” showcases the band’s ability to juxtapose heavy rock riffs with dancing string parts. Lead singer Wesley Miles, too, is subtle at times, holding nothing back by the end of the track.

Listen to “Can you tell” (4.9/5)
Listen to “A manner to act” (4.8/5)

Photos taken by Alex

Folk crooner Martin Sexton’s newest release Seeds shows Sexton’s pop sensibilities haven’t dulled a bit since his first record in ’96. The musical arrangements are lush and voluminous but they avoid the over-production that often occurs when an experienced singer/songwriter steps into the studio. Not to mention the “mouthwash” vocals of Sexton that have made him so affable–that is, his smoothness lingers in your head long after the record has been played out. With the album title connoting a going-back-to-the-roots approach, Sexton really draws upon the experience and the musical prowess he’s garnered throughout his somewhat illustrious career to bring forth a carefully constructed album that is sure to delight both the young and old.

Go and get yourself a copy of Seeds.
Listen to “Happy” (4.9/5)
Listen to “There Go I” (4.6/5)