Hot on the heels of newcomers Vampire Weekend come fellow newbie Northeasterners (and close friends of the band as well) Ra Ra Riot, a band that vocally sounds eerily similar to that of Vampire Weekend but has more in common with a band like the string-laden Arcade Fire.

Tragedy had already struck this band before their debut was even thought about. Back in June of 2007 founding member and drummer John Pike was tragically killed in a drowning accident. Grief stricken, the members of the band decided to solider on with the memory of their friend in tow and The Rhumb Line is dedicated to his life and memory. And what a fitting tribute The Rhumb Line is. Gorgeous string arrangements built over beautiful harmonies, instantly memorable choruses and just an overall infectious groove over the entire record makes Ra Ra Riot's debut full length something you'll want to listen to over and over again. Even when they change the formula to 80's inspired synths on tracks like "Too, Too Too Fast" or try their hand at a cover song (their cover of Kate Bush's "Suspended In Gaffa" here is simply divine) they do nothing but succeed with flying colors. Ra Ra Riot's fallen band mate would be proud because The Rhumb Line has turned out to be without a doubt one of the best debut records of the year