Review Summary: I never gave anybody as much as the girl in my head that I've been building up
My introduction to ‘Rich People’ came one day via the usual scroll through my Twitter timeline. A tweet by Pat Miranda of the excellent Californian band ‘Movements’ (who are not dissimilar to this band and someone you should definitely check out) describing what quarantine is like saw this EP’s ‘Fierce Grace’ coming through loud and clear and l was instantly transfixed. I researched the band and listened to the EP and l was immediately impressed with the introspection of the lyrics and the calming alt rock sound.
The Philly based 4-piece came together with the release of a debut album, but 3 years later re-emerged with an EP that expanded their sound into new territory. The aforementioned ‘Fierce Grace’ immediately establishes the band’s sound with vocalist Rob Rich coming to the forefront with his strong voice and even stronger delivery. The passion in which the music is delivered is understood when you delve into the past of its vocalist. I will be able to delve into the themes of the lyrics and the songs contained throughout this EP as Rich has written it down on a blog on the band’s website called ‘Bliss To Come’. I will reference this throughout. To start off with, Rich is very open and honest about his time dealing with substance abuse and his eventual recovery. This deals with his own assessment of his relationships with others.
‘’You look so confused why I'd ever talk to you at all
And now I'm so unamused why'd I ever talk to you at all’’
The EP continues with ‘Back Step’ with Rich continuing his lyrical theme of introspection detailing his dismissiveness of other people and his realisation that he has to change. Again, this is an excellent song which is accompanied by a nice riff and the added production on the vocals gives it a great atmospheric feel.
'Cause love is cool
Love is fine
Love is wondering if I have the time'
Interlude ‘All The Real Girls’ follows as Rich’s vocals continue to impress and they are accompanied by a nice acoustic guitar.
The flow 'Grace Session' has to be commended as they impress once again with ‘Common Sound’. A catchy opening riff opens us in to the song and the familiarity of the band’s sound is continuing to be established. The lyrical theme from Rich continues as on 'Bliss To Come' he references his past bands and friends, his drug abuse and how he is continuing to live his life as a recovering addict.
'You made me laugh until I couldn't breathe
I'm just sorry I had to leave'
The band is on a roll now as ‘Safehull’ begins and the build up to the end of the first verse is a highlight. Rich touches on his inability to cope with relationships and how depression has constantly plagued his life. The musicianship is excellent here with guitarist Blake Horner providing a nice consistent riff and drummer Tyler Falcone also providing the song a solid foundation. This for me is the EP’s standout track.
'I didn't make her too great to make no one enough
I just gave her some grace that I lack so that I could be love'
Two interludes follow and the closing track ‘White Mark’ Rich describes in 'Bliss To Come' that this is the story of how he talks to himself and that he has to continue to stay on the straight and narrow. ‘White Mark’ is a good way to close things as it both looks at past mistakes but also looks towards a brighter future.
'So let's stick to the truth
It's just me and you
I've done so many things so wrong
How could I judge what you do'
This is a fantastic record that I cannot recommend enough. If you are a fan of alt-rock with plenty of feeling, introspection and inspiration, then l think you will enjoy this as much as l have.
I was able to find great information about the crafting of this EP on their website where vocalist Rob Rich wrote about his life, his past bands, dealing with depression and substance abuse, but more importantly how he has overcome his past problems.
Link:
https://www.richpeople.band/bliss-to-come
The tweet l mentioned at the start of the review
https://twitter.com/patfriick/status/1241856312624832513
