While 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 on Artcore One. They also appeared on Artcore Two with "See It In Me." The melodic pop songs began to create quite a stir.
After the Lu boys parted ways, rumors flew of a possible Rose Blossom Punch release. "Ephemere" could easily have been marked as a solo release by Sprinkle, but Aaron opted not to do so (seeing that Aaron is the vocalist, lyricist, and composer). During the summer months of '97, Aaron produced their work while Terry Coggins, Nick Barber (former bassist for Poor Old Lu), and Paul Mumaw joined Sprinkle on his venture. Despite a previous attempt to sing with Lu, Nick Barber composed and sang "First Time in Vermont" (check out the Poor Old Lu video "Sit and Stare" to hear Nick's sob story).
Aaron writes of life experiences and gasp love (he's a husband and a father, so don't pick up stones). He explores topics to chew on, such as being ignorant of your own ignorance, acting solely on faith, and God's never ending grace. The later is what "Par Avion" is about: "Don't you ever say to me again, 'It's all over now.' Don't it feel like it's all too real? Save my soul. Did you open up your hand? Did you figure out again that the redemption never ends inspite of me?"
"Ephemere" is full of catchy pop songs, but since the Christian market usually fails to recognize real talent, Rose Blossom Punch will probably go unnoticed. These guys are about everyday life situations and won't point fingers at others. Since their faith is the foundation of their lives, principles and values will show through their actions and words. Yet, because they don't feel the need to write overused slogans, people will probably ask the droaning question, "Are these guys Christians?"
I applaud their art and their effort, and I wish that more artists would just sing about life and allow their faith to shine through as Rose Blossom Punch has successfully done with their debut. "Ephemere" is phenomenal in my humble opinion.
Other coverage for this album
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…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Mark AylorOkay, 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…Similar sounding releases
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