Friday my life was truly enriched. After having Ra Ra Riot on loop for the past few weeks and a growing obsession with their sound, seeing them play such an intimate gig at Luton’s Club NME, before the start of a stadium tour with theEditors left me in a state of musical euphoria - making up for the last few months of repetitive uninspiring festivals and gigs I’ve victimised my ears to.

After witnessing the intense onstage chemistry from Ra Ra Riot (formed while studying at Syracuse University in the US) leaves me questioning why so many manufactured bands currently polluting the airwaves even bother.

Performances of tracks such as ‘Dying Is Fine’ takes on added pathos considering it was co-written by former drummer John Pike who, after going missing from a party recently, was found dead. The loss obviously overshadows the band’s direction where an orchestral whirlwind of energy masks darker and pained lyrics.

‘A Manner To Act’ and ‘Ghost Under Rocks” left this unsuspecting crowd completely awe-struck as the sounds of the cello, violin, keyboard and guitar echoed through the venue. Vocalist/keyboard player Wesley fronted the performance with such dignity and grace. In the case of Ra Ra Riot, it is obvious that a complete understanding of each other musically is what creates this seemingly spontaneous genius!

A band and show that ticked every box and deserve greatness.