Syracuse's indie rock prepsters, Ra Ra Riot have always been a favorite of mine. In the same mold as Vampire Weekend, although slightly less accessible, Ra Ra Riot make worldly orchestrated pop music that commands your attention. Their latest work of art, 'The Orchard', is full of songs that sound 'pretty'. Violins and Cellos swing and sway through every turn, and when front man Wes Miles belts out a chorus line you can really feel some emotion. Although I never noticed until now, vocally, Wes Miles sounds a lot like Dirty Projectors main man Dave Longstreth. Songs on 'The Orchard' change like the seasons and the down tempo love ballads are balanced nicely with uptempo chamber pop. There is even a hint at some synth-pop fitting for a 80's John Hughes movie like the ending to the song 'Too Dramatic'. Although it might take a few listens for the album to really take root its well worth your time.