Christiansen Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Christiansen are from Louisville, Kentucky, the unlikely birthplace of two of the big rock sub-subgenres. Although for some reason most histories of the form neglect them, a strong case can be made for the mid- '80s post-hardcore kids Squirrel Bait (especially their phenomenal second album, Skag Heaven) as the progenitors of emo. On the other hand, it's clear beyond doubt that the whole post-rock thing can be laid at the feet of Slint, the late- '80s/early- '90s experimental punk band led by Squirrel Bait's Brian McMahan. On their first release, a lengthy EP called Above Lunar Emissions recorded and originally self-released in 2000, but reissued on a larger scale in 2004, Christiansen reveal echoes of both bands, primarily in the choppy guitars of Drew Sellers (who left the band shortly after this album's initial release) and singer Brandon Bondehagen, and the nervous rush of songs like the hyperactive but oddly poppy "Mainly Mocking You." Although Christiansen's later records would be more complex and more interesting, Above Lunar Emissions is more than just a false start; a couple of these songs, particularly the tense but weirdly becalmed closer, "Majestic Gift," are as good as anything the band's later lineups have done. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
'Stylish Nihilists'
Release Date 10/14/2003
Tracks 11
Label Revelation
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What The Critics Say
Philadelphia's Ink & Dagger released multiple albums on Initial Records, a Louisville-based record label. Christiansen, a Louisville-based band, sounds as though its album, Stylish Nihilists, was influenced to a good degree by Ink & Dagger. In particular, certain aspects of the vocals and the occasional aggressive nature of the music bear a similarity to the vampire punk rock group. On the other hand, the band still brings a good share of melodies and structure, just the opposite of the punk rock nature. Christiansen's ability to combine the two and make something catchy, intelligent, fun, and yet still with an edge just goes to show how far this band has come. Along with memorable lyrics ("When you die I'll be your DJ," "The Frankenstein implied without Shelley"), the bandmembers keep their sense of humor as a quality asset to impress listeners. Stylish Nihilists takes all these positive aspects to make a quality album from a band that is really starting to come into its own. ~ Kurt Morris, All Music Guide
'Forensics Brothers and Sisters!'
Release Date 7/2/2002
Tracks 6
Label Revelation
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What The Critics Say
Christiansen's first album after transplanting themselves to Revelation Records is a brief, six-song EP that fully captures their avant-garde independent rock style. Although the group sound like an indie rock At the Drive-In, they are decidedly more abstract, if such a thing could be possible. By and large, Forensics Brothers and Sisters! is the best Christiansen album to date, finding the band more explosive and unpredictable than ever before. The tongue-in-cheek humor of these four men is noticeable in the very track titles that make up the album, as "Jhazz Never Spelled So Good" deserves a nod as wittiest song title of 2002; yet when it comes to the group's music, it is strictly business. The artsy element of Christiansen should be welcomed with open arms from indie rock purists who champion Garrison and Sparta as modern day heroes -- yet let it be known At the Drive-In did have a better grasp of the style during their tenure. Forensics Brothers and Sisters! deserves attention as being a daring album that proves that there is still immense talent lurking just beneath the smooth surface that is the underground rock scene. ~ Jason D. Taylor, All Music Guide
'Emphasizing Function Over Design'
Release Date 4/17/2001
Tracks 14
Label Eulogy
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What The Critics Say
Emo is a tired term, in all respects; it's creatively artistic and original days well behind it at this point. Leaders like Falling Forward are a distant memory, while others like Elliot, Sunny Day Real Estate, or Get Up Kids have either broken up or moved on creatively to greener pastures. So when perennial hardcore powerhouse Eulogy Records floated their newest emo release to Eclipse, some dreaded the possibilities of hearing another unoriginal Juliana Theory or Dashboard whiny-confessional. One should know better than to think that Eulogy would serve up anything less than amazing quality. Christiansen are the most refreshing emo band since Elliot thrust into the scene, and they aren't afraid to get heavy. More parts Fugazi or Falling Forward than Promise Ring or Get Up Kids, the fellas get your ears perked with the guitar-drenched intro, before the musically dynamic Hum-ish "Vox Humana/Vox Celeste" swirls through the listener, locking interest. Yearning, emotional vocals grab hold for the duration of the album, without sacrificing sentiment for sweater-wearing whininess, as the propulsive musical energy and loud punk guitars (something Falling Forward used to establish holy grail of emo status) mold the albums biting personality. What this means in simple terms is that Christiansen are not afraid to let out their anger in appropriate musical measures, as is evident by standout tracks such as "Ill-matic Fills the Urn" or "Function Over Design." Terry Campbell's intense, engaged drumming lays down the perfect vibe of rhythmic energy that allows bassist Brad Magers to be active in the vein of Fugazi's Brendan Canty, all leading to something fitting for the musically dynamic Eulogy. Guitarists Bondehagan (also the vocalist) and Atzla's equal love for melodic, progressive punk and grinding Chicago noise rock, รก la Shellac, forms a wonderful musical dichotomy that keeps each song fresh, energetic, and highly memorable, as is evidenced in "The Slanting Sun" or especially "Concordance of Worms." Now, come on. How many Emo bands have song titles as morbidly cool as that? Emphasizing... is recommended to those listeners who like heavier progressive punk, or those who are as exhausted with emo's recent pathetic catalog. Either way, it is another quiet masterpiece from Eulogy. Keep it coming! ~ Jason Hundey, All Music Guide
