Christiansen - Forensics Brothers and Sisters

Christainsen is a four piece form Louisville, Kentucky who have not only grown up together, but also live together. The product of this type of relationship is a very tight album that makes it clear that these boys know how to play together, and know how to do it right. The EP soars with melodic vocals, amazing guitar riffs, and an overall tightness that is clearly a result of the closeness the band members have with each other. Described by Kerrang as "post hardcore with soul, passion and melodic genius" Forensics Brothers and Sisters is part At the Drive-In, part Dismemberment Plan or Fugazi, and of course, all Christainsen. This mix of styles is a breath of fresh air to my indie mutilated ears. What sets Christainsen apart from the rest of post-hardcore (hey, I have to call it something) music out there is that the vocals and even the lyrics are just as solid as the music. All too often these days lyrics are overlooked, and we are left with a great sounding record that you can't bear to sing along to, because you don't want to repeat the stupidity that the lyrics imply. You don't have to worry about that with Forensics Brothers and Sisters. Also very present in the mix are the bass lines, which often shift toward the front of the mix and provide a nice break from the majority of guitar driven emo drivel that is all too present in today's music scene. As you may guess, we get a lot of crap music in the Silent Uproar mailbox. In fact, I think I even started out another review with that same line, but it is so true that it is worth pointing out again. The reason why this is so important to recognize is so that you will understand how happy it makes me when I slip something like Forensics Brothers and Sisters in my stereo and am just blown away. I can only hope that their follow-up full length will be just as impressive. [www.christiansenonline.com]