by Jason Ankeny 　　The Sacramento, CA-based alternative pop band Oleander comprised singer/guitarist Thomas Flowers, guitarist Ric Ivanisevich, bassist Doug Eldridge and drummer Fred Nelson Jr. Named for the poisonous wildflowers growing throughout the Northern California region, the group debuted in 1996 with a self-titled EP issued on the Fine label; the full-length Shrinking the Blob followed in mid-1997, launching the local hit Down When Im Loaded. The records success landed Oleander a deal with Universal, and in early 1999 they resurfaced with February Son. A third effort Unwind was issued in early 2001.