Christiansen

Although probably completely unintentional, Christiansen have musically come out sounding like a hybrid of Drive Like Jehu and Our Lady Peace on their latest release, Stylish Nihilists. Naturally the latter would be utterly disheartening, and Stylish Nihilists maintains that sort of love/hate relationship with the listener. While portions of the release are enjoyable melodic jazz-punk influenced rock, the rest retains an uneventful Canadian commercial rock vibe that just can’t be shed. Although this musical recipe may appeal to a certain Revelation Records faction, the 11 tracks on this recording probably won’t win over any new fans with its confused music no matter how much the album’s revolutionary art commands attention. It’s truly unfortunate when something that looks so good, leaves such a nasty aftertaste.