Okay, all you PFR fans, stop crying over your CDs, rush out, and pick this up! On first listen I had to double check to see who the members of the band were because this sounded so much like a follow up to "Them."
To my ears, RBP sounds even more PFR-like than the recent eager release (anyone else notice the three letter abbreviation similarities?). The guitars are a little grungier (a la Common Children), which may turn some off, but what do you expect from a band coming out of Seattle these days? The overall quality of the music is a little rough around the edges (not jagged, just in need of a little sanding), but that only gives me something to look forward to in their next release. The production helps cover up the musical problems and makes the whole thing sing. The lyrics mesh well with the music, but it took me several listens before I actually got into them because I was so excited about the music itself. The more I listened, the more I picked up on the struggle with faith and God's call to us that is beautifully detailed in the lyrics.
If you liked PFR, and don't mind a little grunge, pick this up and check it out -- it is well worth it.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Kevin FlickWhile still carrying the reigns of Poor Old Lu, Aaron Sprinkle recorded "Sowing In The Sun" under the guise of Rose Blossom Punch. With Paul Mumaw playing drums (drummer for Soulfood 76, whom Sprinkle also produced) and younger bro Jesse playing tambourine (drummer for Lu), Aaron painted the foreground of what would soon become a beautiful painting. Brandon Ebel, Aaron's friend, placed the song…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Paul DendiuAs the genre of christian rock/alternative music continues to build momentum and gain popularity, it would seem that an example is needed for the rest of the industry to follow after, a torchbearer if you will. Currently, this position appears to be held by Tooth and Nail's Plankeye and Morella's Forest, though Plankeye has somewhat strayed from what got them where they are with the release of…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Nick ConklinRose Blossom Punch has filled a void left in Christian music by the sad demise of both "Poor Old Lu" and "Dime Store Prophets." Were it not for the release of this new album, I would wonder whether the womb of creative Christian music had become barren. Aside from the realm of ska (which is quite awesome), there is very little "new" Christian music, that is, very little music which is different…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Nathan CoblentzWhen I got the CD, I had to keep telling myself "Do not compare this to Poor Old Lu...do not compare this to Poor Old Lu." No use. BUT . . .any band worthy of being compared to Poor Old Lu (in my eyes) is definately worth checking out. Aaron's lyrics are no less spiritual than Scott's, but they sing more about everyday, down to earth situations and are somewhat easier to connect with. Songs that…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Josh SpencerJust a sip of this Rose Blossom Punch, and you'll be intoxicated. The first track will come warmly into your world with a super flanged-out fuzz of a guitar tone, spacey percussion and sorrowful piano in the background, and then send you reeling back from your stereo as waves of pure alterno-distortion and simultaneous acoustic strumming washes over your ears. Already, you'll know this band's got…Similar sounding releases
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