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Dying is fine. These three words resonate throughout the debut album The Rhumb Line by Ra Ra Riot. After releasing a well received EP during the early part of 2007, John Pike-drummer, lyricist, and fine musician-accidentally drowned after a concert in Massachusetts. Instead of folding the band and moving on to other projects, Wes Miles picked up the baton and forged ahead with his penning of lyrics and helping Ra Ra Riot forge ten formidable tunes for their debut album.

Melancholy reigns from the very first note on “Ghosts Under Rocks.” Every song wails a dirge with lazy violins, beating bass, and synth washings. Reviving lyrics by Pike and improving on them all combine to make a fitting tribute I’m sure he would have been very proud to hear. Miles even enlist the poetic help of e.e. cummings during “Dying is Fine,” and reworks the Kate Bush song “Suspended in the Gaffa” into the workings of this album. Ra Ra Riot pursues the 1980’s with a new pop touch. The Smiths and The Police influence here is very apparent, but the freshness and newness permeates each note.

The Rhumb Line is exactly what a tribute to a comrade is supposed to be like. These talented band mates used their sorrow and sadness to put out what may to turn out to be the best album of the year. I am hopeful Wes Miles will keep the direction of the band on this path. If he does, many great things will come.