Review
Hurray for the Riff Raff offers up an evocative journey in their eighth studio offering, "The Past Is Still Alive", released on February 23, 2024, under Nonesuch Records. Spearheaded by the soulful heart of Alynda Segarra, this album breathes life into the echoes of the past. Landscape-like in its sonic construction, Segarra lays bare her grief, particularly through the poignant lens of her father's passing, giving us a powerful window into loss and the healing story carried within music.
Embodying a seamless blend of elements from alt-country to Americana, the album weaves rich, intricate layers with deft contributions from artists like Conor Oberst, Meg Duffy, and Anjimile. Tracks such as "Alibi," "Snake Plant (The Past Is Still Alive)," and "Ogallala" showcase deeply-rooted narrative and personal reflection, painting scenes from childhood through struggles and hard-won insights. Their partnership with producers Brad and Phil Cook reverently sculpts a musical experience as evocative as it is introspective, coaxing every ounce of the tenderness etched into Segarra’s journeys and memories.
The themes of grief, memory, and reflection thread through the album with elegance and emotional depth. Fans and critics have hailed it for its musically robust offerings and the raw heartfelt timbre of Segarra’s performance. This release stands as a testament to Hurray for the Riff Raff's uniquely powerful connection between honest storytelling and ever-resonant human experiences. - Hazel
