Sister Hymns - Sister Hymns

Sister Hymns

Sister Hymns
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By Dan Henderson
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Max Kayajanian, Joey Mancaruso, and Sean Shabestari are Sister Hymns. The LA members were in various projects throughout southern California and decided that they all had a similar idea in how they wanted modern rock n’ roll to sound. The result is a four-song self -titled EP Sister Hymns.

This is a no frills rock band for purists who appreciate the way bands used to sound. The band isn’t doing anything new by a long shot but instead harks back to a wide range of rock bands that you have most likely heard before. Do bands like Alice in Chains and Led Zeppelin ring a bell? Well I heard elements of those two bands as well as other similar artists throughout this EP.

They open with “American Nightmare” which feels like a proper opener. The first thing you hear is distortion from a power chord ringing out. Before you know it there is a classic rock crescendo which launches into a driving riff.

​When the singing starts the band is somewhere between My Morning Jacket and Led Zeppelin. The vocalist sings, “You keep your ideals / I’ll take what I can steal / Go and hedge your bets / This is the best life I’m gonna get.“ It’s a killer track.

Up next is “Pretty Vultures” and the band wisely gives us a break from rocking out for about a minute. The first minute revolves around guitar and vocals. As soon as the band starts rocking they don’t stop. I was reminded of Alice in Chains on this song but Tool also came to mind.

They continue with “Icarus” which has Black Sabbath-esque guitar builds as well as a classic guitar solo. “Another Round” is the closer which puts the nail in the coffin that these guys play music that sounds good on Saturday night after a couple of beers.

Sister Hymns bring the goods on this EP. Looking forward to hearing more.

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