Disappear Fear

Beneath the veneer of catchy tunes, poppish folk rhythms, and sophisticated harmonies of blood sisters Sonia Rutstein and Cindy Frank beats a heart of hardcore social feminist consciousness. Born and raised in Baltimore, the sisters formed disappear fear in 1987. As the name implies, they call for unity and an end to injustice, and seek to break down the prejudicial barriers that keep people apart. Rutstein composes most of the songs and her compositions have been compared to those of Phil Ochs, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan — their harmonies and approach are reminiscent of the Indigo Girls. After three critically acclaimed self-released albums and an EP, they signed to Philo Records. In 1995 their self-titled album for Philo Records received a 1995 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation award for Outstanding Album. In June 1996, they released Seed in the Sahara. Also that same year, Sonia began pursuing a solo career, returning to disappear fear only for occasional guest appearances for almost a decade. In 2005, the group re-formed as SONiA & disappear fear and went on to release several albums, including Tango in 2007, Splash in 2009, and Blood, Bones & Baltimore in 2010.