Ume Sour

Rob Christiansen creates an entire other dimension of pop music. His vision is unique and refreshing. Listening is an escape to smile-land and can actually inspire creative thought. Rob was once the trombone player and co-writer with partner Andrew Beaujon in the loveable, oddball, mid-Atlanic indie pop/rock band Eggs who made their home on TeenBeat Records. He also played with Mark Robinson and Jenny Toomey as Grenadine (Simple Machines). For trivia's sake, Rob also recorded the first two Labradford records. As SISTERHOOD OF CONVOLUTED THINKERS he and wife Jeannine have had singles out on Stewarda's 555 label, a 10 inch on Hemiola records, and a previous self titled full length on Darla. Rob and Jeannine have just returned from two years in Japan where both taught English. The new record, Ume Sour, named after the Japanese liquor, was made there and Japanese influence can be heard all over it. Well, so many influences can be heard. THE SISTERHOOD are like The Talking Heads, The Residents, David Bowie and Brian Eno all rolled into one. There's not much following of trends or apeing of current styles happening in Rob's very creative mind. You may recognize the Rob Christiansen-ness on Ume Sour more than anything. It's like a warm beam of sun on your face after a cloudy week. The duo's witty lyrics, and an unusual combination of electronic sound and acoustic instrumentation are cleverly joined by Rob's ace, hi-fi production. The result is delightfully imaginative, pan-Pacific pop.