Saskatchewan band something to stand and cheer for: Rah! Rah!

Raise a shout for Rah Rah 

By Kate H. 

 The youthful wisdom found on ‘Breaking Hearts’, the second official album of Saskatchewan band Rah Rah, will ring loud and clear for generations to come. 

The group formed in 2005 as a three-piece ensemble, featuring Erin Passmore on drums/vocals, Marshall Burns on guitar/vocals, and Kyrie Kristmanson on guitar, vocals and trumpet.   The addition of Joel Passmore, Samra Sahlu and Kristina Hedland in 2007 completed the group.  Together they mix their pop-punk past with a softer, more folk centered blend, which is sure to catch your attention and play with your emotions.  

 Their latest album, ‘Breaking Hearts’, was released on June 1, 2010.  It was recorded and produced in Montreal, and unlike their previous work it shows the maturity of this ever-growing group of young musicians. Although even before the release of this album they had won ‘best new Canadian band ‘ and ‘best new alternative band’ by iTunes in 2009, this album is sure to gain increased recognition on the Canadian music scene.  Since the release of this album, Rah Rah has had the pleasure of performing with bands such as Wintersleep, Mother Mother, Minus the Bear and Said the Whale.  This relatively new band claims to be ‘old souls’, and their sound is certainly a reflection of that.  

From the very first track, a poppy number entitled ‘Arrows’, this album’s sweet sounds drag the listener into a whirlwind of powerful pathos.  The majority of the songs feature both male and female vocals, and it seems as though the album shows the process of growing up.  From that young and free first track, Rah Rah proudly proclaims, “we ain’t got no money, we ain’t got no cares”.  However, after twelve sobering songs, the record ends on a soft, mature note with a calming, almost over-produced track, entitled ‘Parkade’.  With its peaceful harmonies and slow, soft pace, it’s a sound of wisdom and sophistication.  

Notable tracks also include the surprisingly positive and upbeat ‘Communist Man’, which talks about the simplicity of love.  The vocals take on a childish quality, and it seems to demonstrate a short-attention span, as it only lasts a minute and twenty-five seconds.  Its uke introduction and lyrical repetition give it a snappy quality, which is nigh on irresistible.  The title-track ‘Breaking Hearts’ stands alone as a tougher, more sinister song.  The lyrics are clever and catchy, and there’s a great riff that’ll get any guitarist’s attention.  The chorus is nearly spoken, and there’s a brief bridge which is filled entirely with unifying shouting. 

Saskatchewan band Rah Rah, during a quieter moment

This album overwhelms with its themes of soft, simple truths, haunting harmonies and down-to-earth recording quality.  Each song stands alone as a message about modern society, presented in a melodic folk-rock package, never overdone.  Whether addressing the disrespect we pay to our veterans, or how today’s workaholic seems to have forgotten about love, this album will dig up your personal problems and politely remind you of just how crazy our world really is.  A pleasure to listen to, a philosophical delight and it even manages to paint a nice background for basic coffee shop chitchat.  This tiny Canadian band should be proud with the reflective piece they have presented, that will challenge the hearts and intellect of any age group.  

Kate H. is a grade 12 student at FHS.

 

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We recieved the following letter from the P.R. agent for Rah-Rah.

Hi Mr. Gange,

Thanks so much for sharing the Rah Rah review of Breaking Hearts with me. We recently did a deal with a US PR and promo firm, so we’ve just released the album in the US last week and it’s now garnering some great reviews there.

 

What I always struggle with, are the 4 line music reviews. The slashed space at most editorial outlets mean a review of a piece of music art, is reduced to a few passing lines, where you can’t really tell whether the journalist has actually spent any time with the record, or not.

 

Which is why the format of your student’s reviews with their expressed thoughts, name-checking song titles or song moments that they enjoyed/disliked, just caught their attention or impacted their experience of the music, is so refreshing.

 

I work with a very high profile Canadian band, Stars, their lead singer, is the very outspoken and charming, Torquil Campbell who recently told a story on the national radio show on CBC, Q (he also told this story to me personally about a year ago) about critically judging art (with his very famous actor father) in New York City. Apparently they came across [an artist’s work], and Torq said to his dad:

“You don’t really think this is good, do you?”

Torq said his dad took a moment and replied “You know, right now, I’m not really concerned about whether I think it’s good or bad, but more that it’s there, someone made it and I’m interested in the effect it’s having on me.”

It’s a long way around to say, that I see in your students minds that are asking questions about music and culture more like that. They are reacting to art in a rather curious way, with openness and that is very inspiring for the future or journalism.

 

Thanks again for sharing.

 

J.

Julie Booth

FRESHLY PRESSED PR

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WE recieved the following note from the band Rah RAH

This is great!
Thanks for sharing this with the band, it was fun to read.
We’ve always really enjoyed Fredericton, hopefully will make it back out there next year sometime!
best,
marshall and rah rah