Though there had been flirtations on previous albums, keyboards really explode on Ra Ra Riot’s latest Beta Love.

The Brooklyn by way of Syracuse University quintet last year parted ways with their longtime cello player Alexandra Lawn, and though they don’t ditch strings completely (violinist Rebecca Zeller still contributes her instrument as well as synths), the bouncy, 80’s style synth pop dominates the majority of the relatively brief tracks on Beta Love.

It’s the perfect soundtrack to singer Wes Mile’s (pictured) futuristic lyrics.

Listen to Ra Ra Riot’s Sunny Side Up session from 02/01 below.

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