Ra Ra Riot shows The Fillmore that less is more

Ra Ra Riot | photo by Ben Wong for WXPN | brotherlylost.com

With so few members and such a bold sound, Ra Ra Riot once again proves that less is more. The Syracuse natives performed this past Friday at The Fillmore, opening for Young The Giant for the Home of the Strange Tour.

The six-piece ensemble opened with fan favorite “Too Too Fast” from their first album, The Rhumb Line; its combination of synth-heavy dance breaks and dramatic lighting teased glimpses of the band while directing the crowds’ focus on the sound.

As lead singer Wes Miles showed his vocal maturity throughout, he was able to hit notes unusually difficult for indie-rock frontmen. The remaining members flexed their capabilities, trading instruments song after song.

Rebecca Zeller had highlights on almost every track, jumping back and fourth from violin to keyboard, as bassist Milo Bonacci took breaks from the bass to also shed some synth wonder during those joyful dance-pops. While mixing in a few singles like “Beta Love” and “Boy,” the centerpiece of the show was clearly the band’s latest release, Need Your Light, closing out their set with singles “Water,” “Absolutely” and “I Need Your Light.”

With six members on stage, Ra Ra Riot is one of the few bands who can fuse string instruments and electro pop beats in one kinetic performance to keep the crowd moving and reflecting at the same time. Check out photos from the show below.