Sophomore LP is "Ra Ra" right

Ra Ra Riot’s newest release, “The Orchard,” adds a distinct creativity to songs reminiscent of a bygone era of neon and synthesizers. Its roots twist the 1980s, and its branches weave cello and violin lines as intricate as Celtic knotting (say, is that a Tree of Life on the cover?).

In comparison with acclaimed previous work “The Rhumb Line,” the new album doesn’t fall far from the old tree. Singer Wes Miles still sounds like a more theatrical Robert Smith, and the band still sounds like the progeny of The Cure and Vampire Weekend.

What’s different, though, is the production, shining like a polished apple. Every snare hit is crisp, every bass line bounces and every instrumental swell launches each song to new heights. No real surprise considering Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla collaborated with the album’s mixing.

Songs like “Boy,” “Too Dramatic” and “Shadowcasting” show off the band’s danceability while tracks like “Kansai,” “Keep it Quiet” and “Do You Remember” are great for reflection “under the oak trees and the leaves and the rain.”