Despite being a competent college town, Syracuse, N.Y., isn’t exactly a harmonious haven for a young and thriving music scene – until last year. Like a phoenix from the ashes rose Ra Ra Riot, roping up renown for its Arcade Fire-like fury and fresh perspective on poignant pop rock. Whether its lead singer Wesley Miles’ wails of tender triumph, the band’s delicately distorted guitar or seamlessly smooth string arrangements, Ra Ra Riot thrives on trying something new all the time. Its members graduated from the Orange and cleaned up consistently at conferences and festivals such as South by Southwest – until the band’s most excellent and exulting song “Dying Is Fine” took on an entirely new meaning when the sextet suddenly suffered a terrible loss earlier this summer.

Following a gig in Providence, R.I., as part of its first national tour, drummer John Pike mysteriously disappeared at a post-show party and apparently died by way of drowning.

However, the band has managed to thrive in its time of tragedy. Now playing with more passion than ever, the dark tones may be darker and the strings are more solemn – but it’s all a labor of love for the one that’s been lost. With a regal sound and sovereign stage presence, Ra Ra Riot is a surefire bet for audiences everywhere.

- Sami Promisloff