Hurray for the Riff Raff - Life on Earth (Album Review)
Tuesday, 22 March 2022
Written by Jessica Howkins
Photo: Akasha Rabut
Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Alynda Segarra has never fallen short when challenging life. Across six studio albums they have not been shy in speaking about things that weigh heavy on their shoulders, while intertwining them with ‘80s electro, punk, rock, and Americana. Regardless of what undertones are carrying their voice, Segarra has managed to bring ferocity and elegance together.
Now, with their seventh LP ‘Life on Earth’, Hurray for the Riff Raff have put their foot to the pedal and raced forward into another phase altogether. There is no strict identity to their sound, instead a complete fluidity and sense of open interpretation for the listener. Segarra has never sounded truer to themselves.
The title track and Saga are both ballads in their own way, although one is completely stripped back and the other feels very Ziggy Stardust.
Despite the contrast between the two, they both hit as hard as each other. They are expressive, conveying a story, a feeling, a reason—anything that is required at that point in time.
Segarra began writing Saga as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford spoke before a Senate Judiciary Committee, alleging that Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted her several decades earlier. Emerging from that moment is an introspective look into Segarra’s own life, reaching down into the parts that needed their own attention for healing and moving forward.
‘Life on Earth’ is a soundscape to the world we all live in, a world that has made us laugh and made us cry. A world that is so small at times and also so huge it consumes our tiny dot of a soul. This is a story of expression, of courage and fear, and ultimately, the thing we all desire the most: a fresh start.
Hurray for the Riff Raff Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue July 19 2022 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Cluny
Wed July 20 2022 - BARROW IN FURNESS Barrow Library
Fri July 22 2022 - OXFORD Bullingdon
Wed July 27 2022 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
Thu July 28 2022 - EXETER Exeter Phoenix
Wed August 31 2022 - DUBLIN Whelans
Fri September 02 2022 - GLASGOW Saint Luke's
Sat September 03 2022 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club
Mon September 05 2022 - CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
Wed September 07 2022 - MANCHESTER YES (The Pink Room)
Thu September 08 2022 - BIRMINGHAM Hare And Hounds
Fri September 09 2022 - LONDON Lafayette
Sat September 10 2022 - BRIGHTON Chalk
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