New Vo Riche-Thing Parade CD Review

Similar to the sounds of Ben Folds Five and Simon and Garfunkle, Los Angeles newcomers New Vo Riche deliver their unique soul-inspiring and Indie-Rock sounds on their first full-length debut album Thing Parade. Released on June 22, the 12-track album features lyrics of the good and bad of relationships and relying on hope and faith to overcome life's various obstacles. Brothers/bandmates Ian and Geordie Kieffer and best friend Justin Ostroff contributed to the songwriting on the album, reminiscing on personal events that shaped each of their lives. Stand-out tracks on the album include She's Not Your Girl, Twisted, and End Parade.

The band members from New Vo Riche contributed equally to the songwriting, music, and vocals on the album. Band member Ian Kieffer wrote and contributed lead vocals on the track "She's Not Your Girl" which tells the story of a girl trying to free herself from her life and relationship. The lyrics, "...she's got no way out to save her soul" and "you're wasting all your time/can't you see she's blind to it all" is a musical letter emphasizing on the reality one must face in the unexpected future of their love as he/she breaks free into the unknown world. Geordie Kieffer, Ian's brother, wrote and performed vocals on the tracks Good For You and the city-based anthem "L.A.", a musical ode to the city of Los Angeles. Throughout the track "End Parade", singer/songwriter Justin Ostroff strums his guitar as he sings the story of loneliness. The lyrics "...There's too many men who die alone/whispers in their minds/regrets left from their lives.../" provide a glimpse into the thoughts one dwells on while fearing death while still carrying a weight of regret upon unfortunate life events.

The album features several dark and thought-provoking tracks including "Twisted" which features a harder, Indie-Rock feel to dramatize personal thoughts of the narrator. The lyrics, "...I toss and turn beneath the chains that hold me back from wandering out into the night/What will I find?/" capture the deep and dark thoughts the narrator expresses upon having feelings of confusion, frustration, and uncertainty of life. The band members of New Vo Riche play piano, guitar, and drums to emphasize the personal depth and emotion behind the lyrics of each track on the album.

Century Park Record's recording trio New Vo Riche first formed in Summer of 2009, as a result of having a close friendly bond with one another. In 2009. the band released their first EP Rhetoric, followed by 2010's Thing Parade which was released June 22. For more information about this band, you can check out their website at http://www.myspace.com/newvoriche .