Ra Ra Rebounding

Syracuse’s Ra Ra Riot is a one-upper among young bands: Since forming in January 2006, the group of twentysomethings has already gained a steady following outside of its original Syracuse U fan base; picked up media notice in the United States and the United Kingdom for its stellar showing at 2006’s CMJ; and put out a demo and a self-titled EP. Not bad for a one-and-a-half-year-old.

Alexandra Lawn, the band’s cellist, explained that the band has yet to settle into certain sounds or styles because it is still “at such an early stage.” But despite Lawn and her bandmates’ short existence, the fledgling group has already dealt with more crushing circumstances and shown more resilience than many of its seniors.

The original septet, consisting of bass, cello, drums, guitar, keyboards, violin and vocals, set off on a summer tour after school let out in 2006, but the end of the tour saw the departure of the group’s original frontman, Shaw Flick. “When he quit, it was devastating,” Lawn said.

The group’s second-in-command vocalist, Wesley Miles, quickly changed the shape of the void left by Flick’s entertainer persona. Miles’ stronger vocals and equally energetic but more serious presentation ushered in a less gimmicky vibe at shows. Lawn said that adjusting to the change took time—and a few faulty gigs—but by CMJ at the end of October, the band members truly felt things click during the marathon six shows they played in five days. “We were like the whores of CMJ,” Lawn said. The group’s willingness to spread its love paid off, and Ra Ra Riot exited the showcase as a buzz- worthy band.

Ra Ra Riot recorded its debut EP in Williamsburg’s Headgear Recording in late January 2007 and spent the following months practicing and touring with some of its new material and old favorites. Then in the first weekend of June, the band members suffered a heavy loss when their lovable drummer, John Pike, was found dead in 7 feet of water off of Wilbur’s Point in Fairhaven, Mass. Pike, a prolific songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and strong creative force, was only 23.

The band took some time to regroup and consider its uncertain future, but at the urging of Pike’s friends and family, Ra Ra Riot has chosen to keep going. “John had so much music in him,” Lawn said. “He’s dead, but we can continue it and continue to have him, so a portion of him lives on.” The band members also began the John Pike Memorial Fund to filter money into organizations that support some of the things their friend loved the most, including nature, museums “and turtles,” Lawn said.

Although the band returns heavy-hearted to the stage this Friday—with a friend sitting in on drums—Lawn said the band is looking forward to spending time together on the road. “It’s sad,” Lawn said, “but it’s good to be together.”

June 29, South Street Seaport, Pier 17; 7, free.