Since the breakup of Poor Old Lu three years ago, fans have eagerly anticipated its members' next musical steps. Aaron Sprinkle formed Rose Blossom Punch in 1997, and now his brother Jesse has reappeared under the moniker The World Inside to bring us Roobrik.
The World Inside doesn't share much with Poor Old Lu, aside from two members--Jesse (acoustic guitars, vocals, drums and percussion) and Aaron Sprinkle (electric guitar, bass, keyed instruments). Musically, the band drifts away from the retro-tinged alternative played by POL, and explores more folkie territory. Most of the songs are entirely acoustic - comprising only Sprinkle's acoustic guitar and Phil Peterson's cello. Roobrik is what Jars of Clay could release if they worked harder.
The lyrics are meaty poetry. Sprinkle's writing is stronger than that of POL's Scott Hunter. Lyrics are not included in the sleeve, but Sprinkle's voice is clear enough that you'll be able to understand what he's saying without too much effort. His voice is also considerably better than Hunter's, again, in the Jars of Clay vein.
Roobrik is truly a treasure. Jesse Sprinkle has never made a better decision than to step out from behind his drum kit and front a band.
5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by Treble BandopplerGentle, comforting acoustic strings and the voice of a male angel paint a mosaic of The World Inside. It is a world where reality suddenly seems like a cruel joke, and where the surreal transcendence of earthly trappings becomes genuinely alive for an hour of time. To call this album ethereal would be putting it mildly, for Jesse Sprinkle of Poor Old Lu fame has tapped into that part of every man…Similar sounding releases
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