Watch Ra Ra Riot: A Performance at The Music Hall of Williamsburg

Ra Ra Riot, a five-piece indie rock band from Syracuse, New York, delivers an electrifying performance at The Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York. Their concert film, recorded in 2014, captures the band at the height of their musical powers and showcases their unique blend of indie rock, baroque pop, and dance-punk. The film's opening shot introduces the band's members, Wes Miles (vocals), Mathieu Santos (bass), Milo Bonacci (guitar), Rebecca Zeller (violin), and Kenny Bernard (drums) as they take the stage to thunderous applause. From there, the band launches into "Binary Mind," the opening track of their third studio album, Beta Love. The song's infectious pop hooks and driving beat set the tone for the rest of the concert, which is a carefully curated setlist of Ra Ra Riot's best-loved songs.

The film's high-energy editing and dynamic camera work translate the energy of the live performance to the screen. Quick cuts and close-ups during the band's more upbeat songs keep the audience engaged and highlight the band's virtuosic musicianship. Meanwhile, slower, more contemplative songs like "Too Dramatic" and "For Once" allow the film to linger on the emotional resonance of the band's lyrics and performances.

Throughout the concert, Wes Miles proves himself to be an exceptional frontman. His stage presence is dynamic and charismatic, and his soaring falsetto vocals are nothing short of breathtaking. The rest of the band is equally impressive, with Mathieu Santos and Milo Bonacci's interlocking guitar and bass lines driving the music forward and Rebecca Zeller's violin adding an extra layer of texture and melody.

One of the standout moments of the performance is the band's rendition of "Dying Is Fine." The song, which features anthemic horns and soaring backing vocals, is a crowd favorite and has become one of the band's most enduring hits. Another highlight is the frenzied "Boy," which features a sing-along chorus and a syncopated dance beat that gets the audience moving.

In between songs, the film pauses to document the band's interactions with the audience. Wes Miles engages the crowd with humor and banter, thanking them for coming out and sharing his appreciation for New York City. The band's camaraderie and joy in performing together are palpable, and it's clear that they are having just as much fun as their fans.

The film's climax comes during the band's penultimate song, "Beta Love." The song's driving beat and catchy hook get the audience dancing, and Wes Miles's vocals are positively electric. The crowd sings along to the anthemic chorus, and the film captures their energy and enthusiasm in all its glory.

Overall, Ra Ra Riot: A Performance at The Music Hall of Williamsburg is a must-watch for any fan of indie rock or live performance. The film perfectly captures the energy and electricity of Ra Ra Riot's live shows and highlights the band's virtuosic musicianship and charismatic stage presence. If you've never had the opportunity to see Ra Ra Riot live, this film is the next best thing.

Ra Ra Riot: A Performance at The Music Hall of Williamsburg is a 2010 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 59 minutes.