The kids from Brooklyn release their sophomore effort to much anticipation, and the perfect time of year for its arrival. "The Orchard," begins with the title track, a soft ballad, driven by strings as Wes Miles croons over a trebly bass line mimicking the melody at times. This is definitely not what I expected as an opener, considering the band's debut, but after two or three plays, it suits the album perfectly. The second track, "Boy," and the album's first single, takes you right to where "the Rhumb Line," left off. Its syncopated rhythm and catchy melodies working together with Alexandra Lawn and Rebecca Zeller's dueling strings is excellent. This is probably one of the album's highlights and definitely takes you to that place where leaves are falling/winter is near-feeling of the first record. "Too Dramatic," another uptempo catchy tempo in the vein of "Too Too Too Fast" is a key upbeat track. "Massachusetts," is boring for a lack of a better word, and clocking in at 5 and half minutes is not helping the song or the listener. It makes me not want to visit that state even more now than the Bee Gees tried to make it sound cool on their take of that mysterious place up north. Alexandra Lawn takes lead vocals on "You and I know," which was unexpected, and I like it. Her voice suits the mellow string driven ballad. This band does these types of song WELL, but I'd like to see "Ra Ra Riot" be a little less "ballad heavy" on the next album. For and album of 10 tracks, half of them are of that nature.
Other key tracks are, the bouncy off kilter rhythm of "Shadowcasting," and "Do you remember," again with Wes's vocals being uplifted by the strings and the rhythm of the band behind him. For the band's second full length record, this is definitely well received by yours truly. I am anxious to see what they come up with next.
Until then...
The Score: 7.5 out 10 bells
The Math: The Rhumb Line - the caffeine X a mellow season = The Orchard
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