Barsuk

Syracuse’s chamber outfit returns with ten beautiful, dynamic songs that emphasize the pop side of indie-pop. Conceived at a farm house in an orchard with fruit hanging heavy on the trees, Ra Ra Riot’s sophomore effort is ripe with sweeping instrumentation, swells of emotion and soaring harmonies. Mixed by Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla, save for one number mixed by Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, there are trace elements from both bands, but songs like “Too Dramatic” – featuring Alexandra Lawn’s cello, Rebecca Zeller’s violin, Gabriel Duquette’s crisp drums and Wes Miles’ high-register vocals – find a band working firmly within its own framework. Though these are modern pop nuggets, don’t mistake them for being simple. This album will move your heart, your mind and your feet.