Ra Ra Rasputin is one of those bands that most might pass up because its name is plain stupid. Sure, it came from a Boney M song, but when there is a more popular band with “ra ra” as the prefix you might as well scrap the name and rebrand. Well, kudos to them, as they’ve stuck it out for five years and have constantly gotten tighter. Ra Ra Rasputin is as hard working as they get, though the band lacks the recorded output of many contemporaries that have been in the game for the same time. Instead the band consistently pleases with its live show, having played almost every venue in this area.

Friday the band is headlining the Black Cat to celebrate its anniversary, so for today’s song of the day check out its last single, “Forward.” The song is a perfect combination of the band’s newer sounds: ‪vocals of Ian Curtis, New Order synths and bass‬ remixed by Mylo. However, notice the mid-point where (Bernard) Sumner’s vocal influence takes over.

Ra Ra Rasputin plays with Miyazaki and Misun Friday at the Black Cat. Tickets are $12.