Ra Ra Riot release a decent collection of new songs, B+

It's been a few years since we've heard from Upstate New York indie rockers Ra Ra Riot. They've finally released a new record, and like most of their albums, its fairly short. However, the collection of new songs feels less stressed then their previous album. While it's not their greatest they created, Need Your Light is a fairly decent group of new songs.

Ra Ra Riot balances things out a lot more evenly with Need Your Light then their last album, Beta Love. The group seems more professional then ever before, but at the same time, it's clear that they enjoy making the music they create. Although the band has seen some recent line up changes over the past few years, Wes's voice is stronger then ever on the new album.
Wes is one of those singers who's voice it seems to improves on every record release, and that's always a good thing . You can clearly hear his influence almost in every song on the new album, especially with 'Water' and 'I Need Your Light'.
However, they're a few negative things about the new record that unfortunately doesn't make it one of their best.
The orchestra element that made Ra Ra Riot who they are and everyone's new favorite indie rock group seems to have dwindled. This is not not necessarily a bad thing, but with these talented musicians it's always nice hearing them continue the great new fresh sounds they made with 'The Orchard' and 'The Rumb Line'.
Another bad thing about the album is that while these new songs are so full of energy and dance friendly, it's a disappointment when it ends just after ten tracks. It's almost as if Need Your Light is a preview of another great album that's hasn't come to be yet. Hopefully it is.
Despite some negative aspects, Need Your Light is definitely an improvement from Beta Love. It shows the band entering a new sound that fans should be able to enjoy and dance at their live shows, and that's what this group is all about.

B+

Ra Ra Riot's new music video for Water: