Biography
In Louisville toward the end of the 1990s, Christiansen operated as an intermittent endeavor for vocalist/guitarist Brandon Bondehagen, guitarist Drew Sellers, bassist Brad Magers, and drummer Terry Campbell while they balanced commitments to other groups, studies, and daily obligations. A handful of original songs and scattered performances preceded the 1998 demo Up Front With the Girls, which prompted the project to pursue its ambitions with greater focus and establish a stronger local presence through live shows.
The first proper album, Above Lunar Emissions, surfaced in 2000 on All Star and revealed a widening blend of emo and post-hardcore that incorporated the cerebral, angular qualities heard in Louisville indie acts such as Slint and Elliott. Kevin Ratterman, a member of Elliott, contributed significantly by aiding work on the demo and co-producing the debut.
Drew Sellers departed after Above Lunar Emissions, and Praveen Arla assumed the guitar role. Further sessions yielded Emphasizing Function Over Design, released in 2001 by the Florida indie Eulogy; the album stretched the post-hardcore base by weaving in math rock textures. Praveen Arla soon exited, leaving the guitar position open until Robby Scott joined and locked in the final lineup.
Momentum from the second album translated into tours supporting Hatebreed and Joan of Arc as the band developed its next EP. The move to Revelation produced the Forensics Brothers and Sisters! EP in July 2002. Growing critical interest fueled additional touring plans and preparation for a breakthrough full-length, which arrived as Stylish Nihilists in October 2003. The group appeared at the CMJ Music Marathon to promote the record and spent that autumn on the road with Vaux and Vendetta Red.
In spring 2005 the members adopted the name Your Highness Electric without any personnel changes, simply to align with the new direction they characterized as “high energy progressive rock and soul.”
The first proper album, Above Lunar Emissions, surfaced in 2000 on All Star and revealed a widening blend of emo and post-hardcore that incorporated the cerebral, angular qualities heard in Louisville indie acts such as Slint and Elliott. Kevin Ratterman, a member of Elliott, contributed significantly by aiding work on the demo and co-producing the debut.
Drew Sellers departed after Above Lunar Emissions, and Praveen Arla assumed the guitar role. Further sessions yielded Emphasizing Function Over Design, released in 2001 by the Florida indie Eulogy; the album stretched the post-hardcore base by weaving in math rock textures. Praveen Arla soon exited, leaving the guitar position open until Robby Scott joined and locked in the final lineup.
Momentum from the second album translated into tours supporting Hatebreed and Joan of Arc as the band developed its next EP. The move to Revelation produced the Forensics Brothers and Sisters! EP in July 2002. Growing critical interest fueled additional touring plans and preparation for a breakthrough full-length, which arrived as Stylish Nihilists in October 2003. The group appeared at the CMJ Music Marathon to promote the record and spent that autumn on the road with Vaux and Vendetta Red.
In spring 2005 the members adopted the name Your Highness Electric without any personnel changes, simply to align with the new direction they characterized as “high energy progressive rock and soul.”
Albums
Singles
