A voracious listener of traditional music from around the world, Rob draws from genres such as hi-life, griot, bossa nova, and classic jazz to create a backdrop for songs about real and fictional characters. Unlike Rob, these colorful characters get involved in endeavors such as riding public transit in West Africa, surviving lightning strikes, and holding up banks.

When performing live Rob varies his arrangements, accompanied by a band of Reliable Rascals or using a looping station to layer percussion, vocal harmonies, guitar, and kitchenware.