IMMIGRANT SUNS' distinct sound is always identifiable, although difficult to pigeonhole: is it Balkan village indie-rock, or improvised pop hooks with topical lyrics? Arabic garage folk or avant world beat? Critics often use food as a metaphor for the exotic mix of sounds the band creates, one reason its new release is called More Than Food. The truth? Inspired by ethnic music of the whole globe as well as the sounds of its Detroit home, IMMIGRANT SUNS gracefully straddles the walls between tradition and innovation.

Formed at the end of 1992, IMMIGRANT SUNS has toured coast to coast in America; collaborated with ethnic folk musicians, improvisers, dance troupes, artists and film makers; sold thousands of CDs through its label, Pho-net-ic Records- it's been said they can even make it snow.

Their first CD, 1994's Montenegro , is named for band member DJETO JUNCAJ's birthplace in Yugoslavia. Montenegro brought some national acclaim for the band and enabled

them to get their first taste of touring. The follow-up, 1996's Back From Durbecca, was released by Schoolkids Records, who also licensed Montenegro from Pho Net Ic Records.

All three releases are now on Pho-net-ic, which is distributed by Action Music. The band decided to up the ante with More Than Food by recording in several studios, often with guest musicians. The sessions were spread out over the course of a year and a variety of techniques were used to capture the band's different aspects.

After two major tours supporting More Than Food the band had its first personnel change when Doug Shimmin left the group. JUNCAJ, JOEL PETERSON, BEN TEMKOW and MARK SAWASKY are continuing as a quartet; recent live shows have featured a mix of new material alongside familiar favorites.