The RAA started 2010 with a win at Canadian Music Fest’s Indie Awards, earning the Galaxie Rising Star award for Recording of the Year. Behind this wave of support, they continued their tried-and-true method of sticking close to the road with additional touring, headlining shows at Ottawa Bluesfest and the Winnipeg Folk Festival along with a record number of parties at SXSW and two well-received European tours. Along the way, the RAA recorded the follow-up album to their well-loved debut, working again with HOMETOWNS producer Roger Leavens in Toronto.
With DEPARTING, the band further refines their exuberant guitar work; everything-on-the-table vocals; songwriting full of conviction; the intricate, majestic drumming and keyboard-sprinkled arrangements that won them so many fans around the world. DEPARTING strings together themes of small towns, Canadian fall and winter, breakups and redemption, and serves as a companion piece to their beloved debut album HOMETOWNS. Highlights include the affecting “North Star,” the stark regret of “Tornado,” and the storming, percussive surge of “Stamp,” all of which vividly set the scene.