It’s no surprise that Canada has treated this 6-piece from Regina, Saskatchewan so well. Having been crowned “Best New Canadian Band” and “Best New Alternative Band” by iTunes Canada in 2009, Rah Rah recently released their new album The Poet’s Dead in the US and it’s an album I’ve spent some time with. For several band members, their last week’s visit to LA for a small handful of shows was their first trip ever to California. As with other folk-flavored rock bands that veer between a harder and softer dynamic, I’d hoped this live show would rock (rather than put me to sleep). I’m glad to say this band not only rocked it, but exceeded lofty expectations. Rah Rah can play. Literally, band members often switched up on instruments, between tunes or even sometimes mid-song. They perfectly nailed their tempos and crescendos bringing select highlights to a supreme level of intensity.
Rah Rah’s set opened with their infectious song, “Art & A Wife”. This track reminds of New Pornographers around the time of their Twin Cinema album. Throughout the song, and even the set, Rah Rah feature male-female vocal exchanges. In general, four band members in Rah Rah provided lead vocals with Marshall Burns handling most of them. Marshall’s voice sounds a bit like Neil Young — more so live than on the recordings. His vocal on “Dead Men” was a highlight that night, as was “Prairie Girl” sung by Erin Passmore. And some locally Regina-flavored humor was found in the set’s finale, “Duet For Emmylou And The Grievous Angel”.
Rah Rah obviously enjoy playing, and they have a down to earth, winning way in their stage manner. Still building their loyal L.A. following the comfortable crowd was responsive and offered them a very warm encore. By Bruce Rave
*Check out Bruce’s Moheak Radio “Go Deep” show on Sunday nights 7-9 pm Pacific, 10-12 am Eastern, 3-5 am GMT. Listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog and follow Bruce on Twitter.
Rah Rah 
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Reviewed by b3
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