Album Profile - Fruit by Big Umbrella

This is one album that remarks on the entire range of emotional experience, from the desperation of "Bleach the Needle" to the unabashed worship of "Big Umbrella." Tackling subject matter from love to abortion, insecurity to joy, the songs on Fruit offer thoughtful and thought-provoking responses to the myriad events of the modern world.

The band's past studio experience shines through in the arrangements and production. Sound effects and studio tricks reminiscent of George Martin enhance songs like "Advice" and "Bleach the Needle." The close vocal harmonies of brothers Derek and Russell Osiecki recall the Byrds, while Russ and fellow guitarist Steve Refling fill the songs with complex moods and textures.

Everyone contributes to the songwriting, but songs are often born out of Russell's observations, whether of his own situation or someone else's. "Something 'Bout Mary" was written after Russ bumped into an acquaintance on an elevator and saw that she was crying.

Big Umbrella's Fruit is sometimes sweet and sometimes bitter, but always gives you something to sink your teeth into.

You Know Better * Something 'Bout Mary * Big Umbrella * Advice * Bleach the Needle * Sell It Back (Caroline) * The Way of All Storms * Long Blue Word * Skin and Bone * Joy

Excerpted from The Racer Record, the Racer Records newsletter.

This page was last updated on March 3, 2004 by Kristi Wachter.