CD of The Week

Ra Ra Riot’s third album Beta Love finds the Syracuse-based band moving into a much dancier direction. Previously known for their string-laden, indie-chamber-pop sound, this record features dance beats, drum machines and an overall more electronic vibe. Overall, Beta Love is very reminiscent of the sound of their recent tourmates Passion Pit. The changes in their music coincide with a change in their lineup, as cellist Alexandra Lawn left the band almost a year ago.

The irresistibly hooky single “Dance With Me” kicks off the album, while the Auto-tune-tinged titled track tips its cap to The Supremes’ “Baby Love.” For the new tunes, Ra Ra Riot also found inspiration in the futuristic writings of William Gibson and Ray Kurzweil, most notably on the excellent “Binary Mind,” where frontman Wes Miles sings of a “technocratic future world.” And while there are plenty of drum machines throughout Beta Love, the band also brought in uber-drummer Josh Freese behind the kit.

“For Once” and “Angel Please” are also among the stronger highlights here. Despite clocking in at just exactly a half-hour (the longest track is 3:13), Ra Ra Riot’s new sound tends to wear you down in the second half of the record, where the most electronic-based track, “What I Do For U,” is found. The album closes strongly with “I Shut Off.”

Ra Ra Riot returns to Philly this Thursday night, headlining at Union Transfer. And if you missed our recent interview with the band, you can hear it On Demand.