Autumn 2012* sees the release of The Poet’s Dead, the third and most accomplished album to date by Regina, SK sextet Rah Rah. Building on the strong foundation of their last release, the critically acclaimed and iTunes Canada championed Breaking Hearts, this new ten song effort effectively captures a band at the peak of their abilities doing what they do best.
The Poet’s Dead, recorded in late 2011 under the production guidance of indie-rock recording geniuses Gus Van Go and Werner F (The Stills, Hollerado, Priestess), clearly displays that Rah Rah has truly fine-tuned the essence of the band and refined the maturity of their sound.
"Recording with Gus and Werner was one of the most rewarding challenges I've ever been a part of,” says band member Erin Passmore. “They understood how and when exactly to push us and I'm so proud of what we've been able to create with their help and guidance."
Lyrically, The Poet’s Dead showcases some of their finest, most direct songwriting yet and is their strongest collective step forward. From the self-reflections of “20s”, “Prairie Girl” and the album’s title track to the wistful hope of “First Kiss” and the twisted anything-for-love paean “I’m A Killer”, the songs discuss maturity, growing up and life in a rock and roll band from a group that have spent much of the past few years doing exactly that. These are songs handcrafted to make you think, to create dreams and to break your heart.
Rah Rah formed as a trio in 2007, originally created by Erin Passmore (vocals, drums, keys, guitar) and Marshall Burns (vocals, guitar). By 2008 they had been joined by Kristina Hedlund (violin, keys, accordion, vocals) and Erin’s brother Joel Passmore (formerly of Despistado and Sylvie) on bass. Later that year another former Despistado member Leif Thorseth (guitar) also joined the band. The band is rounded out by its newest member, Jeff Romanyk (drums, keys, guitar).
The members of Rah Rah share a collective mentality, taking turns taking the lead, both in songwriting and while on stage. The melodic male/female vocals and shared instrumentation traded off seamlessly (Erin Passmore and Jeff Romanyk both play drums, keyboards and guitar, while Kristina Hedlund plays violin, keyboards and accordion), plus a true level of fun throughout ensures that a Rah Rah show will not disappoint.
“The members did a lot of instrument switching and almost everyone in the band sang lead on at least one song,” writes Andrew Sacher of Brooklyn Vegan in a recent live review. “And just in case their catchy songs weren't enough, their stage antics are sure to be remembered, which included throwing "R" "A" & "H" balloon letters into the audience, shooting out confetti, and breaking open a piñata at the end of their last song."
Rah Rah was crowned “Best New Canadian Band” and “Best New Alternative Band” by iTunes Canada in 2009. The band’s songs have also been featured as iTunes Single of the Week and Starbucks Pick of the Week in Canada. The band has toured incessantly behind their previous two albums, sharing tours with the likes of Minus The Bear in Canada and USA, Wintersleep in Europe and Canada, and label-mates Said The Whale. Expect the band to continue touring heavily in support of The Poet’s Dead.
*The Poet’s Dead will be released digitally on October 2nd and physically on October 23rd through Hidden Pony Records
Rah Rah Press:
"Their set was full of upbeat indie pop songs culminating in pretty huge choruses, which often brought to mind I'm From Barcelona (if they had like, 23 less members). The members did a lot of instrument switching and almost everyone in the band sang lead on at least one song. And just in case their catchy songs weren't enough, their stage antics are sure to be remembered" - Brooklyn Vegan
"Their music will completely set you on fire if you’re a fan of Arcade Fire, The Mekons, The Pixies and The Decemberists. With eclectic instrumentation, strong, anthemic guitar based melodies and harmonies that are sure to sweep you in with their energy, Rah Rah are one of the best new Canadian indie-rock band you’ll discover this year." - Bruce Warren, WXPN
“All six band mates displayed considerable musical chops, and there was something awe-inspiring about watching all of them swap positions and instruments in some inspired onstage version of musical chairs. Regardless of who was playing, all six clearly have a knack for well-crafted indie-pop, pairing clever lyrics and truly pretty harmonies with enough shimmering guitars to earn them comparisons to Broken Social Scene.” - – CBC.ca (NXNE Review)
“Very accomplished despite their youth, Rah Rah play immense, poetic rock tunes.” – Montreal Gazette
“Rah Rah’s postal code reads Regina, but damn if this wonderfully layered, drama-packed exercise in guitar-powered art-pop doesn’t scream Montreal during the glory years.” – Georgia Straight